below
gb/bɪlˈoʊ/ us/bɪlˈoʊ/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A2
relation
1
In a lower place or position
In a place lower than something else.
Usage pattern:
[something] below [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'below' and 'under'. 'Below' is often used for levels or measurements, while 'under' can mean directly beneath or covered by something.
Synonyms
under (More common in everyday speech for physical position directly beneath.)
Antonyms
above (Indicates a higher position instead of a lower one.)
Collocations
below the surface
|below average
|below zero
|below ground
Themes
spatial
|daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The valley lies below the mountain.
- Temperatures dropped below zero last night.
- Her grades are below the class average.
- We could see the fish swimming below the surface.
- The basement is directly below the living room.
Learner examples
- The shoes are below the bed.
- My house is below the hill.
- The sun is below the clouds.
- The ball is below the table.
- The pen is below the book.
adverb
A2
relation
2
Lower down or underneath
In a lower place than where you are talking about.
Synonyms
underneath (Implies being directly beneath something, often hidden.)
Antonyms
above (Indicates being at a higher place or level.)
Collocations
see below
|as mentioned below
Themes
spatial
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please refer to the notes below.
- The kitchen is below, on the first floor.
- You will find further details below.
- His office is two floors below.
- The answers are listed below.
Learner examples
- Look at the picture below.
- We live two floors below.
- Read the text below.
- The shop is just below.
- The list is below.
preposition
B1
relation
3
Less than a certain amount or standard
Lower than a number or level that is given.
Usage pattern:
[something] below [a number/level]
Synonyms
under (Often interchangeable in measurement contexts but 'below' is slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
above (Indicates more than a certain number, amount, or standard.)
Collocations
below average income
|below freezing point
Themes
measurement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Children below 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Her test score was below the national average.
- The temperature fell below freezing.
- He earns below minimum wage.
- Water boils at temperatures well above 100°C, but freezes below 0°C.
Learner examples
- The price is below ten dollars.
- My score is below 50 points.
- It is below zero today.
- Your speed is below the limit.
- My age is below 18.
Grammar
Expressions
see below
1/sˈi bɪlˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
Refer to later part of text
Look at information that comes later on this page or document.
Examples
- For more details, see below.
- The answer can be found in the section marked 'Notes'—see below.
below average
1/bɪlˈoʊ ˈævɚɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
worse or lower than normal
Worse or lower than what is usual.
Examples
- His test score was below average this term.
- The temperature today is below average for July.
below average
2/bɪlˈoʊ ˈævɚɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Worse or less than normal level
Lower in quality or amount than most others of the same kind.
Examples
- His performance this season has been below average.
- The test results were slightly below average.
below the belt
1/bɪlˈoʊ ðə bˈɛlt/
idiom
informal
Unfair or cruel remark or action
To say or do something unfair that hurts someone badly, especially in an argument or competition.
Examples
- That comment about her family was really below the belt.
- Criticizing his illness was hitting below the belt.
below the belt
2/bɪlˈoʊ ðə bˈɛlt/
idiom
Unfairly hurtful action or remark
Something that is unfair and hurts someone, especially in an argument or competition.
Examples
- That comment about his family was below the belt.
- Criticizing her appearance was really below the belt.