The word “above” is commonly used in the English language, and it has various meanings and interpretations. It is a preposition that indicates a higher position or location, or it can be an adverb that describes something that is higher or more important. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of the word “above,” its origins, and its associations with other words.
Definitions
The word “above” can be defined as something that is higher in position, rank, or importance. It can also be used to describe something that is located or situated at a higher place or point. Additionally, it can be used to indicate a previous or earlier mentioned item or topic.
Origin
The word “above” has its origin in the Old English language, where it was spelled “abufan.” It is a combination of the words “on” and “bufan,” which means “over” or “above.” Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word have evolved, but its meaning has remained the same.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “above” means “at a higher level or layer than something else, or higher than the ground.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “in or to a higher place than something else.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “higher than something else, sometimes so that one thing covers the other.”
Associations
The word “above” is often associated with the concepts of height, importance, and superiority. It can be used to describe someone or something that is in a higher position or rank than others. It is also associated with the idea of transcendence, as something that is above or beyond the ordinary.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “above” include over, on top of, higher than, beyond, and superior to. These words have similar meanings and can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
Antonyms
Antonyms of “above” include below, beneath, under, inferior to, and lower than. These words are used to describe something that is situated at a lower position or rank than others.
The same root words
The word “above” shares the same root words with other English words such as “abound,” “abusive,” and “abrupt.” These words all originate from the Old English word “abufan” and have different meanings and interpretations.
Example Sentences
- The bird flew above the clouds.
- The CEO is above the other executives in the company’s hierarchy.
- The teacher placed the book above the shelf.
- The view from the top of the mountain was above all expectations.
- The price of the product is above my budget.