above
gb/əbˈʌv/ us/əbˈʌv/
A1
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A1
relation
1
At a higher level or position
In a place that is higher than something.
Usage pattern:
[something] above [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'above' with 'over'. Use 'above' for position and 'over' for movement or covering.
Synonyms
over (Often interchangeable, but 'over' can suggest covering or movement across.)
Antonyms
below (Indicates a lower position relative to something else.)
Collocations
above the door
|above the clouds
|above the table
|above average
|rise above
Themes
space
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- A painting hangs above the fireplace.
- The helicopter hovered above the city.
- Temperatures are expected to stay above freezing tonight.
Learner examples
- The lamp is above the desk.
- The sun is above the trees.
- My apartment is above a shop.
adverb
A1
relation
2
At a higher place or level
At a place that is higher.
Synonyms
overhead (Specifically means directly above in the air.)
Antonyms
below (Means at a lower level or place.)
Collocations
high above
|look above
|rise above
Themes
space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She looked up at the stars above.
- The birds were flying high above.
- From the balcony above, he could see the street.
Learner examples
- There is a big tree above.
- The moon is high above.
- Look above to see the plane.
adjective
B1
property
3
Higher in rank or status
Having more power, importance, or rank than others.
Synonyms
superior (More formal; often used in professional contexts.)
Antonyms
below (Lower in rank or status.)
Collocations
above average
|above all others
Themes
society
|work
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- No one is above the law.
- She holds a position above mine in the company.
- He believes he's above criticism.
Learner examples
- The manager is above the workers.
- No one is above the rules.
- She is above me at work.
preposition
A2
relation
4
Greater than a certain amount or level
More than a certain number, age, or level.
Usage pattern:
[amount/level] above [amount/level]
Synonyms
exceeding (More formal and less common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
below (Less than a certain amount or level.)
Collocations
above average
|above freezing
|above capacity
Themes
measurement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Children above the age of 12 must pay full price.
- Temperatures stayed above zero all night.
- His score was well above average.
Learner examples
- Water boils above 100 degrees C.
- He is above 18 years old.
- Her marks are above 90%.
adverb
B1
relation
5
Mentioned earlier in text or speech
Said or written before this point.
Synonyms
previously (More general; not limited to text layout.)
Collocations
see above
Themes
communication
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Refer to the instructions given above.
- As mentioned above, safety is our top priority.
- The chart above shows last year's sales.
Learner examples
- Look at the picture above.
- As said above, we will meet tomorrow.
- The list above shows the prices.
Grammar
Expressions
above all
1/əbˈʌv ˈɔl/
fixed phrase
Most important of all things mentioned
More important than anything else said before.
Examples
- Above all, remember to be kind.
- Health, above all, should be your priority.
get above oneself
1/ɡˈɛt əbˈʌv wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
idiom
informal
Act too proud or self-important
To behave as if you are better or more important than you really are.
Examples
- He's been getting above himself since his promotion.
- Don't get above yourself just because you won once.
rise above
1/ɹˈaɪz əbˈʌv/
fixed phrase
Overcome challenges or negativity
To not be harmed by problems or bad feelings and keep going well.
Examples
- She managed to rise above the criticism and succeed.
- He rose above his difficult childhood to become a leader.