Meaning & use

above

preposition·Everyday

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

See it in a sentence

A hawk circled above the field, watching for movement in the grass.

The mirror hangs above the fireplace, reflecting light from the window nicely.

A note on using this word

As a preposition above compares physical position; as an adverb it can point to material mentioned earlier in a text.

Words with a similar meaning

over

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

below

Another way to use it

2. adverb

Referring to something mentioned earlier in the same piece of writing.

See the chart above for a summary of last quarter's sales.

3. adjective

Mentioned or appearing earlier in the same document.

The above address should be used for all future correspondence.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “above”, then compare your use with the examples above.

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