above
A1Formal & Informal (very common, used in all registers)
Definition
Meaning
In or to a higher position or place than something else; over.
Used figuratively to mean at a higher rank, priority, or standard; beyond or greater than in quantity, level, or degree; mentioned earlier in a text; of too high a moral standard to engage in.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Above" typically suggests a direct vertical relationship or hierarchy and is the opposite of "below." In figurative use, it often implies superiority, precedence, or exceeding a limit. It is less common as an adjective or noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is highly consistent. Minor differences in legal phrasing (e.g., 'the court above' might be more common in UK legal contexts). The adjectival use ('the above information') is slightly more formal and common in writing in both variants.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of hierarchy and superiority.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[BE] above [NOUN PHRASE][VERB] above [NOUN PHRASE]as [ADJECTIVE] abovementioned aboveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “above board (honest)”
- “above and beyond (more than required)”
- “above one's pay grade”
- “a cut above (better than)”
- “be above oneself (be conceited)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Profits are above target for this quarter." Used in reports, charts, and targets.
Academic
"As demonstrated in the above diagram..." Used to refer to prior text, data, or figures.
Everyday
"The picture is above the sofa." "Temperatures are above freezing."
Technical
"The signal must remain above the threshold." Used in engineering, science, and computing to indicate levels.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- My flat is on the floor above.
- The noise came from the room above.
American English
- My apartment is on the floor above.
- As stated above, the rules are firm.
adjective
British English
- Please refer to the above paragraph for clarification.
- The above examples illustrate the point.
American English
- See the above instructions before assembling.
- The above criteria must be met.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The clock is above the door.
- It's ten degrees above zero today.
- He values his family's happiness above all else.
- The temperature stayed above average all week.
- The company's ethical standards are above reproach.
- As noted in the above section, the theory has limitations.
- Her integrity placed her above suspicion during the scandal.
- The appeal court, as the court above, overturned the ruling.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dove flying ABOVE the clouds. A-BOVE. The 'A' can stand for 'at a' higher place.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD/IMPORTANT IS UP; MORE IS UP; CONTROL IS UP (e.g., 'above the law,' 'above average').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'about.'
- Russian 'наверху' is more 'upstairs/top'; 'above' is relational (over something specific).
- In figurative uses, 'above' can correspond to 'выше' but check context for prepositions 'над' vs 'свыше'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'above of' (incorrect: *the above of the line; correct: above the line).
- Overusing 'above' as a noun in speech (e.g., 'see the above' is very written).
- Confusing 'over' (movement/covering) with 'above' (static higher position).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'above' correctly as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in both, but its use as a pre-modifying adjective ('the above example') is predominantly formal and written.
'Above' indicates a higher position in a vertical plane, often without direct contact. 'Over' can mean covering, movement across, or directly above, and is more common with numbers and ages.
Yes, especially as an adverb (e.g., 'Above, the stars shone brightly.') or in the phrase 'Above all,...'.
Yes, but it is very formal or technical shorthand, common in forms and instructions (e.g., 'Date of birth: (as above)'). In prose, 'as mentioned above' is preferable.