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above
/əˈbʌv/
higher than
The bird flew above the clouds.
The bird's flight path was at a higher altitude than the clouds.
general
in or to a higher place than
The temperature is above freezing.
The temperature is higher than the point at which water freezes.
Please see the instructions above.
Please refer to the instructions located higher on the page.
Used for physical position, rank, or in abstract contexts like temperature or importance.
formal
mentioned or written earlier in a text
As mentioned above, the results were inconclusive.
In the earlier part of the document, it was stated that the results were inconclusive.
Common in academic, legal, or technical writing to refer to prior content.
general
greater in number, amount, or degree than
Children above the age of 12 must pay the full ticket price.
Children who are older than 12 years must pay the full ticket price.
Used for quantities, ages, or levels.
formal
in a higher rank or status than
She was promoted above her peers.
She received a promotion to a position higher than that of her colleagues.
Often used in professional or hierarchical contexts.
Collocations
above averagebetter than the usual standardabove allmost importantlyabove suspicionbeyond doubt or reproach
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Preposition vs. Adverb
Use 'above' as a preposition when followed by a noun (e.g., 'above the table'). Use it as an adverb when it stands alone or modifies a verb (e.g., 'The plane flew above').
Gold Rule
Position and Comparison
'Above' indicates a higher position or greater degree. For vertical position, it is the opposite of 'below.' For comparison, it is the opposite of 'below' or 'under.'
Word Origin
From Middle English *aboven*, from Old English *abūfan* ('over, above'), from Proto-Germanic **uf* ('over') + **bi* ('by'). Cognate with Dutch *boven* and German *oben*.
Usage Notes
Above is often used in both literal (physical position) and figurative (rank, importance) contexts. It is commonly paired with prepositions like 'of' ('above all') or 'the' ('above the law'). In formal writing, 'above' is preferred over 'over' for non-physical comparisons (e.g., 'above average' rather than 'over average').
Word Breakdown
a-
variant of 'on'
prefix-bove
from Old English *bufan* ('over, above')
rootEnglish Dictionary