a·bove / əˈbəv/ • prep. 1. in extended space over and not touching: a display of fireworks above the town. ∎  extending upward over: her arms above her head. ∎  higher than and to one side of; overlooking: on the wall above the altar.2. at a higher level or layer than: bruises above both eyes. ∎  higher in grade or rank than: at a level above the common people. ∎  considered of higher status or worth than; too good for: she married above her. ∎  in preference to: they chose profit above car safety. ∎  at a higher volume or pitch than: above a whisper.3. higher than (a specified amount, rate, or norm): above sea level.• adv. at a higher level or layer. ∎  higher in grade or rank: the rank of superintendent or above. ∎  higher than a specified amount, rate, or norm: boats of 31 ft. or above. ∎  (in printed text) mentioned earlier or further up on the same page: the two cases described above | [as adj.] at the above address | [as n.] since writing the above, I have reconsidered. PHRASES: above all (else) more so than anything else: he was concerned above all to speak the truth. from above from a position of higher rank or authority.not be above be capable of stooping to (an unworthy act): he was not above practical jokes.over and abovesee over.

above ME. abufan XII, abuve(n) XIII, above(n) XIII–XV, f. A-1 + OE. bufan, ME. buven, f. be BY + ufan (= OHG. obana, G. oben) from above, above.