topical

topical — adjective

1. Connected to subjects or events that many people are discussing or thinking abou

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Connected to subjects or events that many people are discussing or thinking about right now, especially in the news or on social media.

例句

Climate change remains a highly topical issue in many countries around the world.

collocation: topical issue / topical subject

The comedian's jokes about local politics were surprisingly topical for the audience that night.

predicative use: be + topical

同義詞
  • current

    the most direct synonym; wider in meaning and more neutral in tone

  • timely

    adds a sense of being especially appropriate for the moment

  • relevant

    broader — can refer to personal relevance, not just current events

  • up-to-date

    focuses on information that is the latest available

反義詞
  • outdated

    no longer in line with current information or discussion

  • passé

    slightly informal; suggests something is no longer fashionable

文法句型

topical + noun

be + topical

用法筆記

Frequently used both before a noun (a topical issue) and after be (the issue is topical). The meaning is about timeliness and public attention, not about the structure or organisation of topics — do not use it to mean 'arranged by topic.'

常見錯誤

❌The report is topical to climate change' (meaning it is about climate change).
✅The report covers the topic of climate change.
💡'topical' in this sense means 'of current interest,' not 'dealing with a particular subject.'

2. Made to be applied directly to the skin or a specific outer area of the body, in

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Made to be applied directly to the skin or a specific outer area of the body, instead of being swallowed or injected.

例句

The doctor prescribed a topical cream to treat the baby's nappy rash.

collocation: topical cream / topical ointment

Some pain relievers work better as a topical gel rather than as a pill.

contrast: topical vs oral

同義詞
  • local

    broader — can refer to any localised treatment, including injections into a specific area

  • external

    used on the outside of the body; a wider medical term that includes but is not limited to skin application

反義詞
  • oral

    taken by mouth and absorbed through the digestive system

  • systemic

    affecting the whole body rather than just one area

  • injectable

    delivered by needle into the body

文法句型

topical + noun (medication, cream, ointment, etc.)

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun (topical cream, topical treatment). When a drug is described as topical, it means it acts on the skin surface — contrast this with oral (taken by mouth) and injectable (injected into the body).

常見錯誤

❌The doctor gave me a topical injection.
✅The doctor gave me a topical cream to apply on my skin.
💡A topical treatment is applied to the outer surface; injections are not topical.