Below
/bɪˈloʊ/
prepositionBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
At a lower level or position than something else.
/bɪˈloʊ/
prepositionneutralBeginner
General
In a lower place than.
The submarine is below the surface.
💡 Simply: Under or lower than.
More Examples
2
The signature is below your name.
How It's Used
General
"The temperature is below freezing."
Geography
"The valley lies below the mountain."
2
In a lower position or place.
/bɪˈloʊ/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
In or to a lower place.
The sun dipped below the horizon.
💡 Simply: Downward.
More Examples
2
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How It's Used
General
"The dog ran below."
Tip:Think of moving downwards.
From Middle English *belo, from Old English *be-lō, literally "by low." The prefix *be- is an intensifier, and *lō means low.
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent throughout history, consistently indicating a lower position.
Memory tip
Think 'be low' - it indicates a lower position.
Practice
bellowbealow
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written