Etymology

From Old English ''abufan'', meaning "over, on high, in a higher place than", a compound of ''a-'' (from ''on'') and ''bufan'' ("above"), itself from Proto-Germanic *''bi-ufanō'' (literally "by over, on over"), from *''bi'' ("by, near") and *''ufanō'' ("over, above"). Cognate with German ''oben'' and Dutch ''boven''.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation, General American) IPA: /əˈbʌv/
• Rhymes: -ʌv

Grammatical Functions and Meanings

Preposition

In or to a higher place than; over; on top of.

#: The sun rose above the horizon. #: The painting hangs above the fireplace.

Superior to; of higher rank, degree, or importance than.

#: She is above me in seniority. #: The general is above the captain in rank.

Earlier in a text or document; preceding or mentioned previously.

#: Please refer to the chart above for more details. #: As stated above, the theory has several implications.

Beyond the reach, understanding, or power of.

#: The solution was above his comprehension. #: The law is above any individual.

Not subject to; exempt from; free from.

#: He is a man above suspicion. #: She is above such petty concerns.

In excess of; more than a specified amount, quantity, or level.

#: The temperature is five degrees above freezing. #: We need to achieve scores above 90% to pass.

Adverb

In or to a higher place; overhead.

#: The clouds gathered above. #: Look above and you will see the stars.

In or on an earlier part of a text or document; previously.

#: The argument presented above supports this conclusion. #: As mentioned above, collaboration is key.

In Heaven or a higher spiritual realm; used to refer to God or divine powers.

#: His help comes from above. #: Blessed from above.

Adjective

Mentioned or appearing earlier in a text; preceding. Often used post-nominally.

#: The above passage clearly illustrates the point. #: The reasons above justify the decision.

Noun

That which is in a higher place; the aforementioned or preceding part of a text. Usually preceded by "the".

#: Refer to the above for context. #: All of the above apply to your situation.

Related Terms and Idioms

• above all
• above average
• above board
• above ground
• above par
• above one's head
• the powers above

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms (preposition): over, beyond, superior to, prior to, in excess of.
• Antonyms (preposition): below, under, beneath, inferior to, subsequent to, less than.
• Synonyms (adverb): overhead, previously, earlier, before.
• Antonyms (adverb): below, beneath, later, afterwards.