Find your perfect word!

Definition above

Etymology

From Middle English above, aboven, abuven, from Old English ?bufan, onbufan from a (“on”) + bufan (“over”), (akin to Icelandic ofan (“from above”), Middle Dutch b?ven, Old Frisian bova, Middle High German bobene) from b? (“by”) + ufan (“over”); also cognate with Danish oven, Dutch boven, German oben, Swedish ovan, Old Saxon o?an, Old High German obana.

The preposition, adjective and the noun derive from the adverb.

Preposition

above

1. Physically over; on top of; worn on top of, as clothing. [first attested before 1150.]
2. In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface. [first attested before 1150]
3. Farther north than. [first attested before 1150]
4. Rising; appearing out of reach height-wise. [first attested around 1150–1350]
5. (figuratively) Higher than; superior to in any respect; surpassing; higher in measure, degree, volume, or pitch, etc. than; out of reach; not exposed to; not likely to be affected by; incapable of negative actions or thoughts. [first attested around 1150–1350]
6. Higher in rank, status, or position. [first attested around 1150–1350]
7. In addition to; besides. [first attested around 1150–1350]
8. Surpassing in number or quantity; more than. [first attested around 1350–1470]
9. In preference to.
10. Too proud to stoop to; averse to; disinclined towards; (Can we verify this sense?) too honorable to give.
11. Beyond; on the other side.
12. (theater) Upstage of.

Adverb

above (not comparable)

1. Directly overhead; vertically on top of. [first attested before 1150.]
2. Higher in the same page; earlier in the order as far as writing products go. [first attested before 1150.]
3. Into or from heaven; in the sky. [first attested around 1150–1350]
4. In a higher place; upstairs; farther upstream. [first attested around 1150–1350]
5. Higher in rank, power, or position. [first attested around 1150–1350]
6. (archaic) In addition. [first attested around 1150–1350]
7. More in number. [first attested around 1350–1470]
8. Above zero; above freezing. [first attested in the mid 20 century.]
9. (biology) On the upper half or the dorsal surface of an animal.

Adjective

above (not comparable)

1. Of heaven; heavenly. [first attested around (1150 to 1350).]
2. Being located higher on the same page or on a preceding page. [first attested in the mid 18 century.]

Noun

above (uncountable)

1. Heaven. [first attested around 1150–1350]
2. Something, especially a person's name in legal documents, that appears higher on the same page or on a preceding page.
3. Higher authority.
4. (archaic) betterment, raised status or condition.

Results 276 Words with the letters ABOVE

You can also try words with the phrase ABOVE, words starting with the letters ABOVE, or words ending in the letters ABOVE.

Favorites Searches

Words… ending with q, starting with q, starting with qa, starting with qo, with two letters, starting with x, starting with j, ending with j,

Some random searches: Words with the letters NQXO, Words with the letters CSQO, Words with the letters AEX, Words with the letters MHKBQY,