Above
/əˈbʌv/
prepositionBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
In a higher position; higher in quantity, quality, or rank.
/əˈbʌv/
prepositionneutralBeginner
General
higher than
The book is above the table.
More Examples
2
His performance was above average.
How It's Used
General
"The temperature will be above zero today."
2
In or to a higher place or position.
/əˈbʌv/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
higher in position
The stairs lead above.
More Examples
2
The stars are above us in the sky.
How It's Used
General
"Look above for the answer."
Tip:Think of climbing up.
Old English 'abufan', from Proto-Germanic 'upa-bheuana', ultimately from Proto-Indo-European 'uper' meaning 'over, beyond'.
In Old English, 'abufan' was used to mean 'over', 'across', or 'on'.
Memory tip
Imagine something physically higher.
Practice
aboveeaboove
Usage
85%Spoken
15%Written