Atop vs. Above: What's the Difference?

Atop and Above Definitions
Atop
On top of.
Above
On high; overhead
The clouds above.
Atop
To, on, or at the top.
Above
In heaven; heavenward.
Atop
On the top of.
He sat atop the mountain, waiting for the end of the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Above
Upstairs
A table in the dining room above.
Atop
On the top, with "of".
Above
To a degree that is over zero
15° above.
Atop
On, to, or at the top.
Above
In or to a higher place.
ADVERTISEMENT
Atop
On or at the top.
Above
In an earlier part of a given text
"Unlike the species discussed above, bees, ants, and wasps don't make males and females using combinations of special sex chromosomes" (Marlene Zuk).
Atop
On, to, or at the top
Above
In or to a higher rank or position
The ranks of major and above.
Above
Over or higher than
A cool spring above the timberline.
ADVERTISEMENT
Above
Superior to in rank, position, or number; greater than
Put principles above expediency.
Above
Beyond the level or reach of
A shot that was heard above the music.
Above
In preference to
Chose quality above quantity.
Above
Too honorable or proud to undertake
I am not above trying to bribe you. Do you think you are above bagging your own groceries?.
Above
More than
Somewhat above normal temperature.
Above
Upstream of
A dam positioned ten miles above the town.
Above
North of
Minnesota is above Iowa.
Above
An earlier part of a given text
Refer to the above for that information.
Above
The person or persons already referred to in a text
The above hereby affix their signatures.
Above
Appearing earlier in the same text
Flaws in the above interpretation.
Above
Physically over; on top of; worn on top of, said of clothing.
He always put his coat on above his sweater.
Above
In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface.
Above
Farther north than.
Idaho is above Utah.
Above
Rising; appearing out of reach height-wise.
Above
(figuratively) Higher than; superior to in any respect; surpassing; higher in measure, degree, volume, or pitch, etc. than; out of reach; not exposed to; not likely to be affected by; incapable of negative actions or thoughts.
Even the chief of police is not above suspicion.
He was always above reproach.
I thought you said you were above these kinds of antics.
That's above my comprehension.
To cut above average
Above
Higher in rank, status, or position.
To stand head and shoulders above the rest
Above
(Scotland) In addition to; besides.
Above and beyond the call of duty
Over and above
Above
Surpassing in number or quantity; more than.
That amount is way above our asking price.
Above
In preference to.
Above
Too proud to stoop to; averse to; disinclined towards;
The owner was above taking more than a token salary.
Above
Beyond; on the other side.
Above
(theater) Upstage of.
Above
Directly overhead; vertically on top of.
Above
Higher in the same page; earlier in the order as far as writing products go.
Above
Into or from heaven; in the sky.
He's in a better place now, floating free as the clouds above.
Above
In a higher place; upstairs; farther upstream.
Above
Higher in rank, power, or position.
He appealed to the court above.
Above
(archaic) In addition.
Above
More in number.
Above
Above zero; above freezing.
It was a cold day at only 5 above.
Above
(biology) On the upper half or the dorsal surface of an animal.
The sparrow I saw was rufous above and off-white below.
Above
Of heaven; heavenly.
Above
(by ellipsis) Being located higher on the same page or on a preceding page.
Above
Heaven.
Above
Something, especially a person's name in legal documents, that appears higher on the same page or on a preceding page.
Above
Higher authority.
Above
(archaic) betterment, raised status or condition.
Above
In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; - opposed to below or beneath.
Fowl that may fly above the earth.
Above
Figuratively, higher than; superior to in any respect; surpassing; beyond; higher in measure or degree than; as, things above comprehension; above mean actions; conduct above reproach.
I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun.
Above
In a higher place; overhead; into or from heaven; as, the clouds above.
Above
Earlier in order; higher in the same page; hence, in a foregoing page.
Above
Higher in rank or power; as, he appealed to the court above.
Above
More than; as, above five hundred were present.
Above
Appearing earlier in the same text;
Flaws in the above interpretation
Above
At an earlier place;
See above
Above
In or to a place that is higher