EnglishMain Dictionary
above
Universal Words
preposition, adverb, adjective
preposition
1 at or to a higher place or position than sth/sb:
The water came above our knees. * We were flying above the clouds. * the people in the apartment above mine * A captain in the navy ranks above a captain in the army. * They finished the year six places above their local rivals.
2 more than sth; greater in number, level or age than sb/sth:
Inflation is above 6%. * Temperatures have been above average. * We cannot accept children above the age of 10.
3 of greater importance or of higher quality than sb/sth:
I rate her above most other players of her age.
4 too good or too honest to do sth:
She's not above lying when it suits her. * He's above suspicion (= he is completely trusted).
5 (of a sound) louder or clearer than another sound:
I couldn't hear her above the noise of the traffic.
IDIOMS
above all most important of all; especially:
Above all, make sure you keep in touch.
above yourself (disapproving) having too high an opinion of yourself
moreatOVERprep.
adverb
1 at or to a higher place:
Put it on the shelf above. * Seen from above the cars looked tiny. * They were acting on instructions from above (= from sb in a higher position of authority).
2 greater in number, level or age:
increases of 5% and above * A score of 70 or above will get you an 'A'. * children aged 12 and above
3 earlier in sth written or printed:
As was stated above... * See above, page 97.
adjective [onlybeforenoun] mentioned or printed previously in a letter, book, etc:
Please write to us at the above address.
the above noun [sing.+sing./pl.v.]:
Please notify us if the above is not correct. * All the above (= people mentioned above) have passed the exam.
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WHICHWORD?
above / over
Above and over can both be used to describe a position higher than something: They built a new room above/over the garage. When you are talking about movement from one side of something to the other, you can only use over: They jumped over the stream. Over can also mean 'covering': He put a blanket over the sleeping child.
Above and over can also mean 'more than'. Above is used in relation to a minimum level or a fixed point: 2 000 feet above sea level * Temperatures will not rise above zero tonight. Over is used with numbers, ages, money and time: He's over 50. * It costs over 」3100. * We waited over 2 hours.
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