above

a|bove¹ W1S2 [əˈbʌv] adv, prep

1.) in a higher position than something else

= ↑over

≠ ↑below

▪ Our office is above the hairdresser's.

▪ He had a bruise just above his left eye.

▪ I heard a strange noise coming from the room above.

▪ The great bird hovered high above our heads.

2.) more than a particular number, amount, or level

≠ ↑below

▪ 50 metres above sea level

above freezing/zero

(=higher than the temperature at which water freezes)

▪ Tonight, temperatures should be just above freezing.

and/or above

▪ free medical care for pensioners aged 65 and above

▪ Prize winners must have gained marks of 80% or above.

▪ The salaries we offer are well above (=much higher than) average.

3.) to a greater degree than something else

▪ Many employers value personality above experience or qualifications.

above all (else)

(=used to say that something is more important than anything else)

▪ Max is hardworking, cheerful, and above all honest.

▪ medals awarded for bravery above and beyond the call of duty (=greater than it is your duty to show)

4.) louder or clearer than other sounds

▪ You can always hear her voice above everybody else's.

5.) higher in rank, power, or importance

≠ ↑below

▪ He never rose above the rank of corporal.

and/or above

▪ officers of the rank of Major and above

from above

(=from people in higher authority)

▪ We just obey orders from above.

6.) formal before, in the same piece of writing

≠ ↑below

▪ As mentioned above, there is a service charge.

▪ Write to the address above for further information.

7.) not be above (doing) sth

to not be too good or honest to do something

▪ Eileen's not above flirting with the boss when it suits her.

8.) be above suspicion/reproach/criticism etc

to be so good that no one can doubt or criticize you

▪ Even the king's closest advisers were not above suspicion.

9.) get above yourself

to think you are better or more important than you really are

→over and above at ↑over¹ (14)

→be above the law at ↑law

above ²

above² W3 adj

[only before noun]

a) used in a piece of writing to refer to something mentioned in an earlier part of the same piece of writing

▪ For the above reasons, the management has no choice but to close the factory.

b) the above

formal something mentioned before in the same piece of writing

▪ If none of the above applies to you, then you may be able to reclaim tax.