above
above
I
/əˈbʌv/ adv
1 : in or to a higher place
They stood under the tree and looked at the branches above. [=overhead]
The stars shone above. [=in the sky]
The stairs lead above [=upstairs] to the bedrooms.
up above and down below
◇ The opposite of every sense of above is below.
2 : in or to a higher rank or number
Students in the grade above [=in the next grade] study algebra.
Groups of six and above [=of six or more] need reservations.
a game that is suitable for children at/of age 10 and above [=older]
3 : above zero
Temperatures range from 5 below to 5 above.
4 : higher, further up, or earlier on the same page or on a preceding page : at a previous point in the same document
Write to us at the address shown above. [=at the above address]
Except as noted above, all the information can be verified.
the person named above = the above-named person
from above
1 : from a higher place or position
It looks like a cross when viewed from above.
2 : from someone with greater power or authority
waiting for orders from above
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II
prep
1 : in or to a higher place than (something) : over
He raised his arms above his head.
They hung a mirror above the mantel.
We rented an apartment above a restaurant.
— opposite below
2 : greater in number, quantity, or size than (something) : more than (something)
Temperatures were above average all week.
men above 50 years old
— opposite below
3 a : to a greater degree or extent than (something)
She values her private time above her fame.
3 b : in a higher or more important position than (something)
He puts his child's needs above his own.
— opposite below
4 : having more importance or power than (someone) : having a higher rank than (someone)
A captain is above a lieutenant. [=a captain outranks a lieutenant]
Who is above him in that department?
— opposite below
5 : too important for (something) : not able to be affected by (something)
She thinks that she's above criticism/suspicion. [=that she cannot be criticized/suspected]
— see also above the law at law
6 : too good for (some type of behavior, work, etc.)
I thought you were above lying to people. [=I thought such dishonest behavior was beneath you]
He was not above cheating when it served his purposes. [=he would cheat when it served his purposes]
Does she think she's above that kind of work? [=does she think that kind of work is beneath her?]
7 : more loudly and clearly than (another sound)
I heard the whistle above [=over] the roar of the crowd.
above all
: as the most important thing : especially
Above all, we must consider what is best for the children.
above and beyond
: far beyond what is required by (something, such as a duty)
He went above and beyond the call of duty. [=he did more than his duty required him to do]
get above yourself
chiefly Brit : to think you are more important than you really are
We are pleased by his success, but we worry that he might be getting above himself.
over and above — see over, 2
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III
adj
: mentioned at an earlier point in the same document : written above
You can contact me at the above address. [=at the address shown above]
the above
: something that is mentioned at an earlier point in the same document
If any of the above is incorrect, please me know.
Contact any of the above [=any of the people mentioned above] for more information.
The correct answer is “none of the above.”
