What does "below" mean?

1. (lower in position) in a lower place than something else. 2. (less than a number) lower than a particular amount, level, or temperature. 3. (lower in rank) lower in importance or rank than someone else. 4. (at a lower level) at or to a lower place or floor. 5. (later in a text) further down on the same page or later in a document.

below

Q: Is it correct to say "The ball is below of the table."?

No — say "The ball is below the table.". Unlike 'in front of' or 'on top of', 'below' is a simple preposition and does not take 'of'.

US //biˈɫoʊ// UK //bɪlˈəʊ// be·low

1 lower in position (prep.)
A1 Beginner

in a lower place than something else.

at or to a lower level or position than something.

Example

The sun disappeared below the horizon as evening began.

Example

From the mountain peak, we could see the tiny village nestled in the valley far below the clouds.
- above
- over
2 less than a number (prep.)
A2 Elementary

lower than a particular amount, level, or temperature.

lower than a specific quantity, degree, or limit on a scale.

Example

The temperature dropped below zero during the night.

Example

The company reported that profits had fallen significantly below the targets set by the board of directors last year.
- under
- less than
- above
- over

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3 lower in rank (prep.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

lower in importance or rank than someone else.

lower in status, rank, or importance within a hierarchy.

Example

In the army, a captain is below a major.

Example

The junior researchers are positioned below the senior fellows in the laboratory's administrative structure.
- under
- subordinate to
- above
4 at a lower level (adv.)
A2 Elementary

at or to a lower place or floor.

at or to a lower level or position; often used to refer to a lower deck on a ship.

Example

We live on the top floor and the owners live below.

Example

The captain ordered the crew to go below as the storm intensified and waves began crashing over the deck.
- downstairs
- underneath
- above
- upstairs
5 later in a text (adv.)
B1 Intermediate Academic

further down on the same page or later in a document.

further down in a written document or on a printed page.

Example

Please see the table below for more details about the prices.

Example

The specific methodology used for the data collection is described in detail in the section provided below.
- following
- afterward
- above

Origin

From Middle English bilooghe, equivalent to be- + low. Compare also earlier Middle English alogh, alow, aloȝ, alowe (“below”), benethen (“beneath”), Dutch omlaag (“downwards”).

Usage

Commonly used to indicate position relative to a surface or a point on a vertical scale.

Pitfall

The ball is below of the table.The ball is below the table.Unlike 'in front of' or 'on top of', 'below' is a simple preposition and does not take 'of'.