above
above Lexical Profile
above Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In or to a higher place, level, or position; overhead.
"We looked up at the clear night sky and admired the stars shining brightly above."
Earlier in the same piece of writing or printed text.
"As noted above, the experimental results confirm our initial hypothesis."
In or to a higher rank, grade, or number; upward in value or age.
"The educational workshop is recommended for students aged twelve and above."
• preposition
In extended space over and not touching; at a higher physical level or layer than.
"They hung the framed landscape painting on the wall just above the fireplace."
Higher than in amount, number, degree, or measurement.
"Temperatures remained well above the seasonal average throughout the entire month."
Higher than in rank, authority, status, or importance.
"A good leader places the welfare of the community above personal ambition."
Too honorable, virtuous, or superior to engage in or be affected by something.
"In a constitutional democracy, no public official is above the law."
Louder or clearer than another simultaneous sound.
"She had to raise her voice to be heard above the roar of the waterfall."
• adjective
Written, stated, or appearing earlier in the same text or document.
"Please call the above number if you have any questions regarding the application process."
• noun
Something that has been mentioned or listed earlier in the same text or document.
"If none of the above applies to your situation, please leave the section blank."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'above' and 'over' both indicate a higher position, 'above' typically implies vertical separation without physical contact or direct movement across, whereas 'over' often implies covering, touching, or crossing from one side to the other.
• Rhymes for above
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English aboven, from Old English abufan ('overhead, higher up'), a compound formed from the prefix a- ('on, in') and bufan ('over, higher'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'up'.