Below: meaning, definitions and examples

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below

[bɪˈləʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

written

at a lower level or layer than

Synonyms

beneath, lower than, under, underneath.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
below	Used to indicate a lower position or level when comparing height or vertical placement. It often implies a difference without direct contact. The temperature is below freezing. Please look at the notes below the graph.
under	Indicates a position directly below something, often with the implication of being covered or protected by the object above. The cat is hiding under the bed. She works under the supervision of the manager.
beneath	Implies being directly under something, often used metaphorically to suggest inferiority or something hidden. He feels that this job is beneath him. The treasure is buried beneath the old oak tree.
underneath	Specifically refers to being directly below something else, often emphasizing being hidden or out of sight. There's a storage space underneath the stairs. Check underneath the table for your keys.
lower than	Commonly used when explicitly making a comparison between two objects or situations in terms of height, rank, or level. Her test scores were lower than expected. The apartment is on a level lower than the street.

Examples of usage

the kitchen below the shop
the flat below mine

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

position

at or to a lower level or position than

Synonyms

beneath, downward, underneath.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
below	Use when referring to a level that is physically or metaphorically lower than something else. The temperature dropped below freezing The text on this page is below the image
underneath	Implies being directly below something, often when covered or obscured. The cat is hiding underneath the bed There was a secret compartment underneath the desk
beneath	Often implies a different level in a more formal or poetic sense, or when indicating something hidden or covered. She found the key beneath the mat His kind nature was hidden beneath a rough exterior
downward	Used to describe a movement towards a lower place or position. The path slopes downward towards the river The company is experiencing a downward trend in sales

Examples of usage

the sun disappeared below the horizon
he jumped in and disappeared below

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'below' comes from Old English 'belo', which means 'beneath' or 'under'.
It has been used in English since the 14th century, describing positions and levels.
Related words like 'beneath' and 'under' also convey similar meanings of being lower down.

Geography

In geography, 'below sea level' refers to areas like the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth.
Maps often use contours and shading to show areas that are below the surrounding terrain.
Understanding the concept of elevation helps in recognizing places that are below or above ground.

Psychology

The term can evoke feelings of inferiority or being lesser, often related to social hierarchies.
In cognitive psychology, people often process spatial relationships, like 'below' or 'above', to understand their surroundings.
In therapy, discussing feelings about being 'below' can sometimes relate to issues of self-esteem.

Literature

In literature, authors often use 'below' to describe physical settings, such as dungeons or basements, creating a mood of confinement.
The contrasting imagery of 'below' and 'above' can symbolize themes of despair versus hope in narrative storytelling.
Poets may refer to 'below' in metaphors, relating it to deeper emotions or the subconscious.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'below the line' in films refers to budgeted costs that are not part of the primary budget, affecting creative decisions.
In music, songs like 'Under Pressure' use 'below' to express emotional tension in relationships.
The term is often used in memes and social media to indicate comments or reactions that are 'below' a post.

Translations

Translations of the word "below" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abaixo

🇮🇳 नीचे

🇩🇪 unten

🇮🇩 di bawah

🇺🇦 нижче

🇵🇱 poniżej

🇯🇵 下

🇫🇷 en dessous

🇪🇸 debajo

🇹🇷 aşağıda

🇰🇷 아래에

🇸🇦 أسفل

🇨🇿 pod

🇸🇰 dole

🇨🇳 下

🇸🇮 spodaj

🇮🇸 neðan

🇰🇿 төменде

🇬🇪 ქვემოთ

🇦🇿 aşağıda

🇲🇽 debajo

Word Frequency Rank

With position #411, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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408 million
409 students
410 energy
411 below
412 hours
413 specific
414 foreign
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