above

 
Pronunciation: /əˈbʌv/

preposition

  • 1in extended space over and not touching: a display of fireworks above the town a cable runs above the duct
  • extending upwards over: she held her arms above her head
  • higher than and to one side of; overlooking: in the hills above the capital on the wall above the altar
  • 2at a higher level or layer than: from his flat above the corner shop bruises above both eyes
  • higher in grade or rank than: at a level above the common people
  • considered of higher status or worth than; too good for: she married above her
  • in preference to: the firm cynically chose profit above car safety
  • at a higher volume or pitch than: he seldom spoke above a whisper the doorbell went unheard above the din
  • 3higher than (a specified amount, rate, or norm): the food was well above average above sea level

adverb

  • at a higher level or layer: place a quantity of mud in a jar with water above
  • higher in grade or rank: an officer of the rank of superintendent or above
  • higher than a specified amount, rate, or norm: boats of 31 ft or above
  • (in printed text) mentioned earlier or further up on the same page: the two cases described above see above left [as adjective]: at the above address [as noun]: since writing the above, I have reconsidered

Phrases

above all (else)

more so than anything else: he was concerned above all to speak the truth

above and beyond

in excess of the expectations or demands of: she was always there to help us out in difficult times, above and beyond the call of duty
in addition to: you might consider giving employees an extra day or two off each quarter, above and beyond sick days

above oneself

conceited; arrogant: he’s getting a bit above himself

above the law

in a position where one can avoid being bound by the laws that govern ordinary people: the army was above the law and enjoyed complete impunity

from above

from overhead: branches rained from above
from a position of higher rank or authority: mass culture is imposed from above

not be above

be capable of stooping to (an unworthy act): he was not above practical jokes

up above

above one’s head; overhead: we heard a sudden rumbling from up above

Origin:

Old English abufan (as an adverb), from a- 'on' + bufan (from bi 'by' + ufan 'above')