above
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for above, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Prep — In a position higher than something else; overhead of.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use above
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English abufan, joining on ("on") and bufan ("over") — a Germanic compound related to Dutch boven and German oben.
Full origin of above →Frequently asked questions
What does “above” mean?
The word “above” means in a position higher than something else; overhead of. In plain terms, higher up — whether physically overhead, higher in a ranking, or earlier on the page you're reading.
How do you pronounce “above”?
“Above” is pronounced uh-BUHV (/əˈbʌv/ in IPA).
How do you use “above” in a sentence?
Here is “above” used in a sentence: “A single bulb hung above the table.”
What part of speech is “above”?
Depending on how it is used, “above” can be a preposition, an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “above” come from?
The word “above” comes from Old English. From Old English abufan, joining on ("on") and bufan ("over") — a Germanic compound related to Dutch boven and German oben.
Is “above” a common word?
“Above” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “above” have?
“Above” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a position higher than something else; overhead of.
What is the difference between above and over?
Both mean at a higher level, and often either works. Above usually means simply higher, without contact or coverage — a picture above the sofa. Over can add the sense of covering, crossing, or movement — a blanket over the bed, a plane flying over the city. Above tends to be more static and vertical.
What is the difference between above and abovementioned?
Above is a preposition or adverb meaning in a higher position, or earlier in a text. Abovementioned is an adjective meaning already referred to earlier in the same document, common in formal, legal, and business writing. So above points to a position, while abovementioned points back to something already named.
What is the opposite of above?
The main opposites are below, under, and beneath, all meaning in a lower position. Below is the most direct counterpart — if a shelf is above the desk, the desk is below the shelf. Underneath works too, especially when one thing sits directly beneath another.
Is above a preposition or an adverb?
It can be both. As a preposition it takes an object — 'the lamp above the table'. As an adverb it stands alone — 'the stars above'. It can also act as an adjective or noun in phrases like 'the above', meaning something mentioned earlier in a text.