First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1above
adverb \ə-ˈbəv\
: in or to a higher place
: in or to a higher rank or number
: above zero
Full Definition of ABOVE
1
a : in the sky : overhead <the clouds above> b : in or to heaven
2
a : in or to a higher place b : higher on the same page or on a preceding page c : upstairs d : above zero <10 degrees above>
3
: in or to a higher rank or number <30 and above>
4
archaic : in addition : besides
5
: upstage
See above defined for English-language learners
See above defined for kids
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Origin of ABOVE
Middle English, from Old English abufan, from a- + bufan above, from be- + ufan above; akin to Old English ofer over
2above
preposition
: in or to a higher place than (something)
: greater in number, quantity, or size than (something) : more than (something)
: to a greater degree or extent than (something)
Full Definition of ABOVE
1
a : in or to a higher place than : over b : upriver of
2
a : superior to (as in rank, quality, or degree) b : out of reach of <above suspicion> c : in preference to d : too proud or honorable to stoop to <not above taking undue credit>
3
: exceeding in number, quantity, or size : more than <men above 50 years old>
4
: as distinct from and in addition to <heard the whistle above the roar of the crowd>
See above defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ABOVE
before 12th century
3above
noun
plural above
Definition of ABOVE
1
a : something that is above b : a person whose name is written above
2
a : a higher authority b : heaven
Usage Discussion of ABOVE
Although still objected to by some, the use of above as a noun in sense 1a <none of the above> <the above is Theseus's opinion — William Blake> and as an adjective <without the above reserve — O. W. Holmes †1935> <I was brought up on the above words — Viscount Montgomery> has been long established as standard.
First Known Use of ABOVE
13th century
Related to ABOVE
- Synonyms
- heaven, bliss, elysian fields, Elysium, empyrean, kingdom come, New Jerusalem, paradise, sky, Zion (also Sion)
- Antonyms
- Gehenna, hell, Pandemonium, perdition
4above
adjective
: mentioned at an earlier point in the same document : written above
Full Definition of ABOVE
: written or discussed higher on the same page or on a preceding page
See above defined for English-language learners
Usage Discussion of ABOVE
See Usage Discussion at 3above
First Known Use of ABOVE
1604
ABOVE Defined for Kids
1above
adverb \ə-ˈbəv\
Definition of ABOVE for Kids
: in or to a higher place <Stars shine above.>
2above
preposition
Definition of ABOVE for Kids
1
: higher than : over <above the clouds>
2
: too good for <You're not above that kind of work.>
3
: more than <I won't pay above ten dollars.>
4
: to a greater degree than <She values her family above all else.>
5
: having more power or importance than <A captain is above a lieutenant.>
3above
adjective
Definition of ABOVE for Kids
: said or written earlier <Read the above definition.>
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