2 above
Function:
prepositionMeaning:
1 : in or to a higher place than (something) : over ▪ He raised his arms above his head. ▪ They hung a mirror above the mantel. ▪ We rented an apartment above a restaurant. —opposite below
2 : greater in number, quantity, or size than (something) : more than (something) ▪ Temperatures were above average all week. ▪ men above 50 years old —opposite below
3 a : to a greater degree or extent than (something) ▪ She values her private time above her fame. b : in a higher or more important position than (something) ▪ He puts his child's needs above his own. —opposite below
4 : having more importance or power than (someone) : having a higher rank than (someone) ▪ A captain is above a lieutenant. [=a captain outranks a lieutenant] ▪ Who is above him in that department? —opposite below
5 : too important for (something) : not able to be affected by (something) ▪ She thinks that she's above criticism/suspicion. [=that she cannot be criticized/suspected] —see also above the law at law
6 : too good for (some type of behavior, work, etc.) ▪ I thought you were above lying to people. [=I thought such dishonest behavior was beneath you] ▪ He was not above cheating when it served his purposes. [=he would cheat when it served his purposes] ▪ Does she think she's above that kind of work? [=does she think that kind of work is beneath her?]
7 : more loudly and clearly than (another sound) ▪ I heard the whistle above [=over] the roar of the crowd.
2 : greater in number, quantity, or size than (something) : more than (something) ▪ Temperatures were above average all week. ▪ men above 50 years old —opposite below
3 a : to a greater degree or extent than (something) ▪ She values her private time above her fame. b : in a higher or more important position than (something) ▪ He puts his child's needs above his own. —opposite below
4 : having more importance or power than (someone) : having a higher rank than (someone) ▪ A captain is above a lieutenant. [=a captain outranks a lieutenant] ▪ Who is above him in that department? —opposite below
5 : too important for (something) : not able to be affected by (something) ▪ She thinks that she's above criticism/suspicion. [=that she cannot be criticized/suspected] —see also above the law at law
6 : too good for (some type of behavior, work, etc.) ▪ I thought you were above lying to people. [=I thought such dishonest behavior was beneath you] ▪ He was not above cheating when it served his purposes. [=he would cheat when it served his purposes] ▪ Does she think she's above that kind of work? [=does she think that kind of work is beneath her?]
7 : more loudly and clearly than (another sound) ▪ I heard the whistle above [=over] the roar of the crowd.
above all
: as the most important thing : especially ▪ Above all, we must consider what is best for the children.
above and beyond
: far beyond what is required by (something, such as a duty) ▪ He went above and beyond the call of duty. [=he did more than his duty required him to do]
get above yourself
chiefly Brit : to think you are more important than you really are ▪ We are pleased by his success, but we worry that he might be getting above himself.
over and above —see 2over