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. ______________________________ 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. ______________________________