Above vs. Below

Above vs. Below — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Above and Below

Abovepreposition

Physically over; on top of; worn on top of, as clothing.

He always put his coat on above his sweater.

Belowpreposition

Lower in spatial position than.

The treasure is buried two meters below the surface.

Abovepreposition

In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface.

Belowpreposition

Lower in value, price, rank or concentration than.

The temperature is below zero.

Abovepreposition

Farther north than.

Idaho is above Utah.

Belowpreposition

Downstream of.

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Abovepreposition

Rising; appearing out of reach height-wise.

Belowpreposition

South of.

Abovepreposition

(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.

Even the chief of police is not above suspicion.He was always above reproach.I thought you said you were above these kinds of antics.That's above my comprehension.to cut above average

Belowpreposition

Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of; beneath.

Such petty behavior is below me.

Abovepreposition

Higher in rank, status, or position.

to stand head and shoulders above the rest

Belowpreposition

(stage directions) Downstage of.

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Abovepreposition

In addition to; besides.

above and beyond the call of dutyover and above

Belowadverb

In a lower place.

Abovepreposition

Surpassing in number or quantity; more than.

That amount is way above our asking price.

Belowadverb

On a lower storey.

Abovepreposition

In preference to.

Belowadverb

Further down.

Abovepreposition

Too proud to stoop to; averse to; disinclined; too honorable to give.

The owner was above taking more than a token salary.

Belowadverb

(nautical) On a lower deck.

the landlubbers lying down below

Abovepreposition

Beyond; on the other side.

Belowadverb

(of a temperature) Below zero.

Abovepreposition

(theater) Upstage of.

Belowadverb

in or to a place that is lower

Aboveadverb

Directly overhead; vertically on top of.

Belowadverb

at a later place;

see below

Aboveadverb

Higher in the same page; earlier in the order as far as writing products go.

Belowadverb

(in writing) see below;

vide infra

Aboveadverb

Into or from heaven; in the sky.

He's in a better place now, floating free as the clouds above.

Belowadverb

on a floor below;

the tenants live downstairs

Aboveadverb

In a higher place; upstairs; farther upstream.

Belowadverb

further down;

see under for further discussion

Aboveadverb

Higher in rank, power, or position.

He appealed to the court above.

Aboveadverb

(archaic) In addition.

Aboveadverb

More in number.

Aboveadverb

Above zero; above freezing.

It was a cold day at only 5 above.

Aboveadverb

(biology) On the upper half or the dorsal surface of an animal.

The sparrow I saw was rufous above and off-white below.

Aboveadjective

Of heaven; heavenly.

Aboveadjective

Being located higher on the same page or on a preceding page.

Abovenoun

Heaven.

Abovenoun

Something, especially a person's name in legal documents, that appears higher on the same page or on a preceding page.

Abovenoun

Higher authority.

Abovenoun

(archaic) betterment, raised status or condition.

Aboveadjective

appearing earlier in the same text;

flaws in the above interpretation

Aboveadverb

at an earlier place;

see above

Aboveadverb

in or to a place that is higher