tope máximo
Lemma Details
Translation: maximum limit; ceiling; upper limit; cap
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Combines 'tope' (from Old Spanish 'topar', meaning 'to encounter or meet') and 'máximo' (from Latin 'maximus', meaning 'greatest'). The phrase literally means 'maximum stop' or 'maximum point of encounter', conveying the idea of the highest possible limit that cannot be exceeded. The Latin root 'maximus' is shared with English words like 'maximum', 'maximize', and 'maximal'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El gobierno estableció un tope máximo para los alquileres en la ciudad.
The government established a ceiling for rents in the city.
Hemos alcanzado el tope máximo de participantes para el evento.
We have reached the maximum limit of participants for the event.
El contrato especifica un tope máximo de gastos mensuales.
The contract specifies a maximum limit for monthly expenses.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tope' as 'top' in English and 'máximo' as 'maximum' - together they form the 'maximum top' or highest point.
- Imagine a physical speed bump (also called 'tope' in some Spanish-speaking countries) with a sign saying 'maximum' - you can't go any higher than this point.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in economic, legal, and administrative contexts in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly when discussing regulations, budgets, or financial limits. The concept appears often in discussions about salary caps, price ceilings, and regulatory limits.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Tope' alone can mean a bump, stopper, or limit, while 'tope máximo' specifically refers to the maximum or highest limit possible.
Confused word:
Ten cuidado con el tope en la entrada del estacionamiento.
Be careful with the speed bump at the entrance to the parking lot.
Notes: In some Latin American countries, 'tope' alone commonly refers to a speed bump, while in financial or regulatory contexts it typically means a limit or cap.
Mnemonic: When you see 'máximo' after 'tope', think of the absolute highest point, not just any limit or bump.
Explanation: While 'límite máximo' and 'tope máximo' are often interchangeable, 'tope máximo' sometimes implies a more absolute or hard ceiling that cannot be exceeded under any circumstances.
Confused word:
Hay un límite máximo de tiempo para completar el examen.
There is a maximum time limit to complete the exam.
Notes: In many contexts, these terms are used interchangeably, but 'tope máximo' can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of finality.
Mnemonic: Think of 'tope máximo' as the ultimate stopping point, while 'límite máximo' is just the highest boundary.