Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In or to a higher place: At a higher level or position than something else.
   • Earlier in a text: Appearing at a point earlier in the same piece of writing or speech.

2. Preposition:

   • Higher than; over: In a position higher than something else.
   • More than; greater than: Exceeding a certain level, amount, or standard.
   • Superior to; beyond: Of a higher rank, quality, or moral standard than something or someone.

3. Adjective:

   • Mentioned or appearing earlier: Referring to something written or stated previously in the same context.

4. Noun:

   • Something mentioned earlier: The thing or things previously mentioned in a text.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • Look at the clouds above. (Look at the clouds in the higher sky.)
  • As noted above, the results are preliminary. (As noted earlier in this text, the results are preliminary.)

• Preposition:

  • The painting hangs above the fireplace. (The painting is positioned higher than the fireplace.)
  • Temperatures were above average for May. (Temperatures were greater than the typical level for May.)
  • She is above such petty behavior. (She is superior to or beyond engaging in such petty behavior.)

• Adjective:

  • Please review the above paragraph. (Please review the paragraph mentioned earlier.)
  • The above examples illustrate the point. (The examples listed earlier illustrate the point.)

• Noun:

  • The above is a summary of our findings. (What is written earlier is a summary of our findings.)
  • For more details, see the above. (For more details, see the text written previously.)

Advanced Usage

• "Above and beyond": Far more than required or expected.

  • His efforts went above and beyond his job description. (His efforts far exceeded what was required by his job.)

• "Above oneself": Behaving in a conceited or arrogant manner.

  • Winning the award made him get a bit above himself. (Winning the award made him behave somewhat arrogantly.)

• "Over and above": In addition to; besides.

  • He donated money over and above his volunteer work. (He donated money in addition to his volunteer work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Aboveboard (adj./adv.): Legitimate, honest, and open.
  • All their business dealings were completely aboveboard. (All their business dealings were completely honest and open.)

Synonyms

• Over (prep.): Extending directly upward from.
• Beyond (prep.): Surpassing; more than.
• Earlier (adv.): Happening before in time or sequence.
• Prior (adj.): Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance.

Related Phrases

• Above all: Most importantly; more than anything else.

  • Above all, be honest. (Most importantly, be honest.)

• Head and shoulders above: Much better than.

  • She is head and shoulders above the other candidates. (She is much better than the other candidates.)

• Keep one's head above water: Manage to survive, especially financially.

  • With two jobs, he just keeps his head above water. (With two jobs, he just manages to survive financially.)

Idioms

• A cut above: Significantly better than.

  • This restaurant is a cut above the others in town. (This restaurant is significantly better than the others in town.)

• Above the law: Not subject to the laws that apply to everyone else.

  • No one should be above the law. (No one should be exempt from obeying the law.)

Adjective

1. appearing earlier in the same text
   • flaws in the above interpretation

Adverb

1. in or to a place that is higher
2. at an earlier place
   • see above

Noun

1. an earlier section of a written text
   • for instructions refer to the above