topheading

Topheading refers to a type of headnote in the organizational and referencing formats used in documents, particularly those that list multiple entries or items.

A topheading serves as an identifying label for a group of items in a sequence, providing a clear and concise description of the characteristic that defines the items within that group. They often act as a hierarchical header for the items immediately below them, enabling users to quickly identify the category being referenced.

Topheadings typically appear at the beginning of a block or entry within a document, serving to summarize the main topic or feature of the included items. The goal of a topheading is to provide useful context and clarity, rather than to merely state the obvious. In doing so, topheadings enhance the overall usability of a document, facilitating navigation and referencing.

Topheadings are distinct from subheadings, which are often found within the body of text itself. Unlike subheadings, topheadings are used to segment separate groups of items or entries, rather than dividing a single narrative. This clear distinction allows for more efficient classification and organization of information, making it easier to access and refer to relevant details.

The use of topheadings originated from business, organizational, and government contexts where it was necessary to list multiple items with shared characteristics. They have since been used in a variety of other situations where accurate identification and categorization of items is essential.