preposition | adverb | adjective | noun
aboveabove1 /əˈbʌv/ ●●● S1 W1 preposition 1
in or to a higher position than something else OPP below: He had a bruise above his eye. a painting above the bed the hills above the university → see also over12more than a particular number, amount, or level OPP below: It was barely above freezing. Tides rose six feet above their normal level.3above all (else) used to emphasize that something is more important than the other things you have already mentioned: Above all, I want my daughter to be confident.4louder or having a higher pitch than other sounds: You had to shout to be heard above the music.5above suspicion/reproach/criticism etc. so good that no one can doubt or criticize you: Goodwin’s work ethic is above reproach.6to a greater degree than someone or something else: Americans seem to value convenience above cost. Sonsini has contributed above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.7in a position of more importance: Student athletes should not place athletics above academics.8higher in rank, power, or authority OPP below: She works hard, which pleases those above her.9be above (doing) something to consider yourself so important that you do not have to do all the things that everyone else has to do: She’s not above helping the secretarial staff. No one is above the law in this country. → see also over and above at over1 (20) preposition | adverb | adjective | noun
aboveabove2 ●●● S3 W3 adverb 1in a higher place than something else: The cereal goes in the cabinet above.2more than a particular number, amount, or level: Big-screen TVs are defined as 27 inches or above. students of above-average ability3higher in rank, power, or authority: officers of the rank of Major and above4formal used in a book, article, etc. to describe someone or something mentioned earlier in the same piece of writing: See the rates listed above. Christine Liddell, above, talks to Santa (=there is a picture of Christine above the words). OPP below preposition | adverb | adjective | noun
aboveabove3 ●●○ adjective [only before noun] used in a book, article, etc. to describe someone or something mentioned earlier in the same piece of writing: City offices in the above counties will be closed Wednesday. preposition | adverb | adjective | noun
aboveabove4 noun the above formal the person or thing mentioned before in the same piece of writing: The correct answer was D: none of the above (=none of the answers listed at A, B, or C). Better tasting than all the above (=all the food mentioned before) are the local chocolate cookies.