Above: meaning, definitions and examples

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above

[əˈbʌv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

position

In a higher place or position than something else, especially when considered as a point of reference.

Synonyms

higher than, on top of, over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
above	Used to indicate a higher position than something else, often in a literal or physical sense. The clock is above the fireplace. Birds fly above the trees.
over	Used when something is covering or moving across the top of something else. The cat jumped over the fence. Put a blanket over the bed.
on top of	Specifies direct contact with the top surface of something. The book is on top of the table. She placed the vase on top of the shelf.
higher than	Emphasizes a greater degree or level, often in a comparative sense. His grades are higher than mine. The temperature is higher than usual.

Examples of usage

A light came on in the room above.
The picture hung on the wall above the fireplace.

^{Context #2 | Preposition}

position

At a higher level or layer than something else.

Synonyms

higher than, on top of, over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
above	Use this when indicating a position higher than something else, but not directly touching it. The picture is hung above the fireplace. She lives on the floor above us.
over	This word is used to indicate movement above something or a position directly covering something else. The bird flew over the house. He held the umbrella over her.
on top of	This is used when something is resting directly on the surface of something else. The book is on top of the table. She placed the hat on top of her head.
higher than	This is used to compare two things and indicate that one is of a greater height or position than the other. Mount Everest is higher than Mount Kilimanjaro. Her grades are higher than his.

Examples of usage

The apartment above ours.
He lived in the flat above the shop.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

position

Situated higher than something else, especially another thing that is similar.

Synonyms

greater, higher, superior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
above	Use 'above' when referring to something at a higher physical position or level, or in text when referencing something mentioned earlier. The picture is hanging above the fireplace \| As stated above, we need to finish the project by Friday
higher	Use 'higher' to denote a physical elevation, or when comparing levels, degrees, or intensities. The balloon floated higher in the sky \| He scored higher on the test than anyone else
superior	Utilize 'superior' when talking about something or someone being better in quality, status, or rank. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if perceived as arrogant. Her performance was superior to her colleagues \| He has a superior attitude that annoys everyone
greater	Apply 'greater' when comparing quantities, sizes, or extents, indicating that one thing surpasses another. Five is greater than three \| The benefits of this strategy are greater than the risks

Examples of usage

The above example.
The above statement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'above' comes from Old English 'abufan', meaning 'over' or 'on top of'.
It shares roots with similar words in other Germanic languages, highlighting its long history in human communication.
It has been used in English literature since around the 12th century, showing its early importance in the language.

Cultural References

In many belief systems, 'above' is often associated with spiritual realms, suggesting places like heaven.
Various art pieces use the concept of 'above' to depict elevated thoughts, aspirations, and dreams.
Songs and poetry frequently use 'above' to evoke feelings of hope, as in looking up towards the stars.

Science

'Above' can describe locations in relation to gravity; for instance, clouds are above the ground where we walk.
In the study of meteorology, phenomena 'above' us, like the atmosphere, critically affect weather patterns.
Astronauts experience the Earth 'below' them when in space, redefining their perspective of 'above'.

Psychology

The concept of 'above' in thought can symbolize higher states of mind or awareness, such as enlightenment.
Spatial reasoning, often connected to understanding 'above' and 'below', is crucial in cognitive development for children.
People may use 'above' to signify superiority or achievement in social contexts, like 'above others' in social status.

Literature

The concept of 'above' is often employed in literature to signify aspiration or ambition, as in reaching for the stars.
In various poems, 'above' sets an ideal against which characters strive or struggle to achieve.
The imagery of 'above' is frequently used to portray freedom, such as in stories of flight or transcendence.

Translations

Translations of the word "above" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acima

🇮🇳 ऊपर

🇩🇪 über

🇮🇩 di atas

🇺🇦 над

🇵🇱 nad

🇯🇵 上

🇫🇷 au-dessus

🇪🇸 encima

🇹🇷 üzerinde

🇰🇷 위에

🇸🇦 فوق

🇨🇿 nad

🇸🇰 nad

🇨🇳 上

🇸🇮 nad

🇮🇸 yfir

🇰🇿 үстінде

🇬🇪 ზემოთ

🇦🇿 üstündə

🇲🇽 encima

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #152, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

...
149 few
150 come
151 important
152 above
153 second
154 called
155 off
...