Pronunciation: /əˈbʌv/

Definitions of above

adjective used to refer to something at a higher level or position

Example Sentences

A1 The picture is hanging above the fireplace.

A2 The cat climbed up the tree and sat on the branch above.

B1 The apartment above ours is currently vacant.

B2 The painting above the sofa really ties the room together.

C1 The view from the balcony above is breathtaking.

C2 The research conducted by the scientist is considered above reproach.

adverb used to indicate a higher level or position in a physical space or in a hierarchy

Example Sentences

A1 The cat jumped above the fence.

A2 She placed the book above the shelf.

B1 The airplane flew high above the clouds.

B2 The temperature is above average for this time of year.

C1 The painting hung above the fireplace in the grand hall.

C2 The CEO's salary is far above that of the average employee.

Examples of above in a Sentence

formal The instructions provided are listed above for your reference.

informal I saw the answer key above the teacher's desk.

slang I can't believe she's still above it all after what happened.

figurative His ambitions soar above those of his peers.

Grammatical Forms of above

past tense

aboved

plural

aboves

comparative

higher

superlative

highest

present tense

above

future tense

will be above

perfect tense

have been above

continuous tense

being above

singular

above

positive degree

above

infinitive

to above

gerund

aboving

participle

aboved

Origin and Evolution of above

First Known Use: 0900 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'above' originated from Old English 'abufan' which is a combination of 'a-' meaning 'on' or 'in' and 'bufan' meaning 'over' or 'above.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'above' has retained its meaning of being at a higher position or level than something else. It has also been used in various figurative and abstract contexts to indicate superiority, authority, or transcendence.