above

Meanings

1. 1preposition

   In or to a higher place or position than something else.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or pronoun: above the clouds, above us.

   Patterns

   • above something
   • above someone

   The plane flew above the clouds.

   There is a shelf above the desk.

   The temperature stayed above zero.

2. 2adverb

   Referring to something mentioned earlier in a text.

   Grammar: Used without a following noun: as mentioned above.

   Patterns

   • as stated above
   • mentioned above

   As mentioned above, the deadline is Friday.

   The figures above show the sales trend.

   Please see the table above for details.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Mentioned or appearing earlier in the same document.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: the above information.

   Patterns

   • the above information
   • the above statement

   The above information is correct.

   Please read the above paragraph carefully.

   The above examples illustrate the rule.

Common combinations

above all

Above all, we must stay calm.

above average

Her performance was above average.

above sea level

The city is 200 meters above sea level.

as mentioned above

As mentioned above, the meeting is canceled.

Synonyms and how they differ

over

Over often implies covering or across; above simply means higher than.

higher than

A phrase with similar meaning; above is more concise.

Opposites

Word family

aboveboard adjective

Honest and open.

Commonly confused: above or over?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “above”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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