Above vs. Below — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
"Above" refers to a position at a higher level or layer than another, while "Below" indicates a position at a lower level or layer than another.
Difference Between Above and Below
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Above is a preposition and adverb indicating a higher position in relation to a reference point. Below, on the other hand, denotes a position that is lower in relation to a reference point.
Above can be used in contexts where something is not directly over another but is higher in position or value. Below is used when something is positioned at a lesser height, depth, or value than another object or point.
When describing layers or levels, Above refers to a superior or top layer, while Below alludes to an inferior or bottom layer. For instance, clouds float above the ground, and roots grow below the surface.
In literature or abstract discussions, Above can indicate superiority or precedence, and Below can suggest inferiority or subordination. A person might be said to be above petty behaviors, while secrets are kept below the surface.
Temperature is another area where these terms are applied. Above zero means temperatures are on the positive side, while Below zero indicates sub-freezing temperatures.
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Comparison Chart
Positional Reference
Higher in position or value
Lower in position or value
Usage in Layers
Refers to top or superior layer
Refers to bottom or inferior layer
Abstract Context
Indicates superiority or precedence
Suggests inferiority or subordination
Temperature
Positive side (e.g., above freezing)
Negative side (e.g., below freezing)
Hierarchical Structure
Higher rank or level
Lower rank or level
Compare with Definitions
Above
At a higher level or layer.
The birds flew above the trees.
Below
At a lower level or position.
Fish swim below the surface.
Above
More than a particular amount or rate.
The cost was above average.
Below
Inferior to in rank or position.
The assistant's position is below that of the manager.
Above
Superior to in rank or position.
The manager's office is above the main floor.
Below
In writing or print on the following part of a page.
Details are provided below.
Above
Beyond in quality or character.
She is above such behavior.
Below
In or to a lower place; beneath.
Above
In extended space over and not touching
A cable runs above the duct
A display of fireworks above the town
Below
On or to a lower floor; downstairs.
Above
At a higher level or layer than
From his flat above the corner shop
Bruises above both eyes
Below
(Nautical) On or to a lower deck.
Above
Higher than (a specified amount, rate, or norm)
The food was well above average
Above sea level
Below
In a later part of a given text
Figures quoted below.
Above
At a higher level or layer
Place a quantity of mud in a jar with water above
Below
Farther down, as along a slope or valley.
Above
On high; overhead
The clouds above.
Below
In or to hell or Hades.
Above
In heaven; heavenward.
Below
On the earth.
Above
Upstairs
A table in the dining room above.
Below
In a lower rank or class.
Above
To a degree that is over zero
15° above.
Below
Below zero in temperature
40° below.
Above
In or to a higher place.
Below
Underneath; beneath.
Above
In an earlier part of a given text
"Unlike the species discussed above, bees, ants, and wasps don't make males and females using combinations of special sex chromosomes" (Marlene Zuk).
Below
Lower than, as on a graduated scale.
Above
In or to a higher rank or position
The ranks of major and above.
Below
Downstream of
Launched the canoe just below the bridge.
Above
Over or higher than
A cool spring above the timberline.
Below
South of
Guatemala is below Mexico.
Above
Superior to in rank, position, or number; greater than
Put principles above expediency.
Below
Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of
Such petty behavior is below me.
Above
Beyond the level or reach of
A shot that was heard above the music.
Below
Lower in spatial position than.
The treasure is buried two meters below the surface.
The marmalade is on the shelf below the bread.
Above
In preference to
Chose quality above quantity.
Below
Lower than in value, price, rank, concentration, etc.
The temperature is below zero.
Liverpool are below Manchester City in the Premier League.
Above
Too honorable or proud to undertake
I am not above trying to bribe you. Do you think you are above bagging your own groceries?.
Below
Downstream of.
The River Thames is tidal below Teddington Lock.
Above
More than
Somewhat above normal temperature.
Below
South of.
Sudan is below Egypt.
Above
Upstream of
A dam positioned ten miles above the town.
Below
Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of; beneath.
Such petty behavior is below me.
Above
North of
Minnesota is above Iowa.
Below
(stage directions) Downstage of.
Above
An earlier part of a given text
Refer to the above for that information.
Below
In or to a lower place.
The town is situated on a hillside, with a river running below.
He was pulled below by a sea monster.
Above
The person or persons already referred to in a text
The above hereby affix their signatures.
Below
On or to a lower storey.
She lives below, on the ground floor.
Above
Appearing earlier in the same text
Flaws in the above interpretation.
Below
(nautical) On or to a lower deck, especially as relative to the main deck.
The captain went below to inspect the engine.
The landlubbers lying down below
Above
Physically over; on top of; worn on top of, said of clothing.
He always put his coat on above his sweater.
Below
Later in the same text.
This point is explained below.
By their execution hereof, the Parties incur a legal obligation to pass consideration under this Loan Contract as is set forth below.
Above
In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface.
Below
(of a temperature) Below zero.
It was forty degrees below.
Above
Farther north than.
Idaho is above Utah.
Below
Under, or lower in place; beneath not so high; as, below the moon; below the knee.
Above
Rising; appearing out of reach height-wise.
Below
Inferior to in rank, excellence, dignity, value, amount, price, etc.; lower in quality.
Above
(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
Below
Unworthy of; unbefitting; beneath.
They beheld, with a just loathing and disdain, . . . how below all history the persons and their actions were.
Who thinks no fact below his regard.
Above
Higher in rank, status, or position.
To stand head and shoulders above the rest
Below
In a lower place, with respect to any object; in a lower room; beneath.
Lord Marmion waits below.
Above
(Scotland) In addition to; besides.
Above and beyond the call of duty
Over and above
Below
On the earth, as opposed to the heavens.
The fairest child of Jove below.
Above
Surpassing in number or quantity; more than.
That amount is way above our asking price.
Below
In hell, or the regions of the dead.
What business brought him to the realms below.
Above
In preference to.
Below
In court or tribunal of inferior jurisdiction; as, at the trial below.
Above
Too proud to stoop to; averse to; disinclined towards;
The owner was above taking more than a token salary.
Below
In some part or page following.
Above
Beyond; on the other side.
Below
In or to a place that is lower
Above
(theater) Upstage of.
Below
At a later place;
See below
Above
Directly overhead; vertically on top of.
Below
(in writing) see below;
Vide infra
Above
Higher in the same page; earlier in the order as far as writing products go.
Below
On a floor below;
The tenants live downstairs
Above
Into or from heaven; in the sky.
He's in a better place now, floating free as the clouds above.
Below
Further down;
See under for further discussion
Above
In a higher place; upstairs; farther upstream.
Below
Less than a particular amount or rate.
The temperature dropped below freezing.
Above
Higher in rank, power, or position.
He appealed to the court above.
Below
Beneath the dignity of.
It's below him to act in such a way.
Above
(archaic) In addition.
Above
More in number.
Above
Above zero; above freezing.
It was a cold day at only 5 above.
Above
(biology) On the upper half or the dorsal surface of an animal.
The sparrow I saw was rufous above and off-white below.
Above
Of heaven; heavenly.
Above
(by ellipsis) Being located higher on the same page or on a preceding page.
Above
Heaven.
Above
Something, especially a person's name in legal documents, that appears higher on the same page or on a preceding page.
Above
Higher authority.
Above
(archaic) betterment, raised status or condition.
Above
In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; - opposed to below or beneath.
Fowl that may fly above the earth.
Above
Figuratively, higher than; superior to in any respect; surpassing; beyond; higher in measure or degree than; as, things above comprehension; above mean actions; conduct above reproach.
I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun.
Above
In a higher place; overhead; into or from heaven; as, the clouds above.
Above
Earlier in order; higher in the same page; hence, in a foregoing page.
Above
Higher in rank or power; as, he appealed to the court above.
Above
More than; as, above five hundred were present.
Above
Appearing earlier in the same text;
Flaws in the above interpretation
Above
At an earlier place;
See above
Above
In or to a place that is higher
Above
In writing or print on the preceding part of a page.
As mentioned above, the terms are clear.
Common Curiosities
How is "Below" commonly used in the context of temperature?
"Below" often refers to temperatures under a specific point, like below freezing.
Does "Above" only relate to physical height?
No, "Above" can also indicate superiority, precedence, or a higher value.
What part of speech is "Above"?
"Above" can function as a preposition, adverb, or adjective.
Can "Below" be used in an abstract sense?
Yes, like when someone's actions are "below" their usual standards.
Can "Above" and "Below" be used in the context of pages or writing?
Yes, to indicate preceding (above) or following (below) parts of a text.
What's the opposite of "Above"?
The opposite of "Above" is "Below."
How are "Above" and "Below" used in the context of layers?
"Above" refers to a top or exterior layer, while "Below" refers to a bottom or interior layer.
Can I say "above average"?
Yes, it means greater than the average amount or value.
Are there synonyms for "Above"?
Yes, synonyms might include "over," "on top of," or "beyond."
How do "Above" and "Below" relate to rank or hierarchy?
"Above" indicates a higher rank, while "Below" indicates a lower rank.
Is "Below" always about something being directly underneath?
No, "Below" can also mean at a lower level, value, or rank.
Can "Above" indicate moral superiority?
Yes, as in the phrase "above reproach."
Are there synonyms for "Below"?
Yes, synonyms might include "underneath," "beneath," or "under."
How do "Above" and "Below" differ in terms of directional reference?
"Above" points to a higher position, while "Below" points to a lower position.
Can "Below" be used to talk about depths, like in oceans?
Yes, one might say, "The submarine dived below 300 feet."
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
