prep
above
uh-BUHV
prep
1
In a position higher than something else; overhead of.
"A single bulb hung above the table."
"Storm clouds gathered above the valley."
2
Greater than in amount, degree, or rank.
"Temperatures rose above thirty degrees."
"She was quickly promoted above her former manager."
adv
1
Earlier in a piece of writing; higher up on the same page.
"See the table above for full results."
noun
1
What was mentioned earlier in a document.
"All of the above applies equally to part-time staff."
How to Use Above
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHigher up — whether physically overhead, higher in a ranking, or earlier on the page you're reading.
Easily confused with
abovementioned
Common pairings
above average
above all
the above
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A single bulb hung _____ the table.
Etymology
From Old English abufan, joining on ("on") and bufan ("over") — a Germanic compound related to Dutch boven and German oben.