CEFR A1

above

preposition, adverb

Meaning

In or to a higher position than something else; over it.

Examples

  • The picture hung above the fireplace.
  • He held the trophy above his head.

Synonyms: over, upon, overhead

Phrases for above

Natural phrases and collocations with above. See examples, avoid awkward combinations, and learn how to use above in context. In or to a higher position than something else; over it.

Physical position

At a higher position than another person, object, or level.

  • above sea level (measurement phrase): Higher than the average level of the sea. The village sits 1,500 meters above sea level.
  • above your head (prepositional phrase): At a higher position than your head. A lamp hung directly above her head.
  • from above (prepositional phrase): From a higher position or viewpoint. The city looks completely different from above.
  • above the clouds (prepositional phrase): At a level higher than the clouds. The plane climbed above the clouds.

Measurements and standards

Higher than a stated amount, temperature, limit, or standard.

  • above average (fixed phrase): Higher or better than the usual level. Her test score was well above average.
  • above freezing (measurement phrase): Warmer than the temperature at which water freezes. Temperatures should remain above freezing tonight.
  • above the limit (prepositional phrase): Higher than the allowed maximum. His speed was above the legal limit.
  • above expectations (fixed phrase): Better or higher than people expected. Sales finished above expectations this quarter.

Text, priority, and status

Earlier in a text, more important than something else, or beyond a rule or suspicion.

  • as mentioned above (writing phrase): Referring to information earlier in a text. As mentioned above, the deadline is Friday.
  • the above example (formal noun phrase): The example written earlier on the page. The above example shows how the rule works.
  • above all (linking phrase): Most importantly. Above all, make sure the instructions are clear.
  • above the law (idiom): Not required to obey the law; usually used negatively. No official should be above the law.
  • above suspicion (fixed phrase): Considered too trustworthy to be suspected. At first, the senior manager seemed above suspicion.

Sentence frames

  • above + level/limit/average: Use above before a reference point or standard. Demand remains above the long-term average.
  • as shown/mentioned/noted above: Use this formal frame to point readers to earlier text. As shown above, both methods produce the same result.
  • above all, + clause: Use this to introduce the most important point. Above all, protect the people affected by the decision.

See the full dictionary entry for above