# above

/əˈbəv/ (US) · /əbˈʌv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/above
Updated: 2026-04-30

## Senses

### 1. higher than

preposition · CEFR A1

in a higher place or position than something else.

For teachers: located at a higher level than a reference point, though not necessarily directly over it.

- The sun rose above the mountains and lit up the valley.
- We watched the eagles circling high above the jagged cliffs, barely visible against the bright morning sky.

### 2. more than

preposition · CEFR A2

greater than a certain amount, number, or level.

For teachers: exceeding a specific numerical value, temperature, or measurable limit.

- The temperature stayed above thirty degrees all afternoon.
- The charity managed to raise well above their initial goal of ten thousand pounds within the first week.

### 3. higher rank

preposition · CEFR B1

having a more important job or position than someone else.

For teachers: superior in rank, status, or authority within a hierarchy.

- A captain is above a lieutenant in the army.
- In the corporate hierarchy, the regional director sits above the branch managers and reports directly to the board.

### 4. overhead

adverb · CEFR A2

in the sky or in a higher place.

For teachers: at or to a higher place; overhead.

- The stars were shining brightly in the dark sky above.
- While we explored the cave, we could hear the faint sound of thunder rolling in the world above.

### 5. earlier in a text

adverb · CEFR B1 · Academic

mentioned earlier on the same page or in the same document.

For teachers: referring to a preceding part of a text or document.

- As mentioned above, the results of the test were positive.
- The data cited above suggests a strong correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.

Usage: Often used in formal reports or academic papers to avoid repetition.

### 6. previously mentioned

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

describing something that was written earlier in the text.

For teachers: appearing or mentioned at an earlier point in the same writing.

- Please read the above instructions carefully before starting the exam.
- The above information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute a legal contract.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 7. the aforementioned

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the people or things mentioned earlier in a document.

For teachers: the person or thing mentioned previously in a written work.

- All of the above must be signed by a witness.
- If any of the above applies to your current situation, please contact our legal department immediately.

Usage: Functions as a collective noun referring to a list or statement.

### 8. theatre stage

preposition · CEFR C1 · Technical

further away from the audience on a stage.

For teachers: positioned upstage of a specific object or person.

- The actor moved above the sofa to wait for his cue.
- The director instructed the lead to remain above the table to ensure the supporting cast did not block the audience's view.

## Examples

- The birds fly high above the trees.
- We live in a small apartment located directly above the local grocery store.
- The temperature remained consistently above freezing throughout the winter months, preventing the lake from developing a layer of ice thick enough for skating.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.