above

Noun · Adjective · Adverb

Synonyms: supra higher up in a higher place to a higher place

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

an earlier section of a written text“for instructions refer to the above”

Adjective (1)

appearing earlier in the same text“flaws in the above interpretation”

Adverb (2)

at an earlier place“see above”Synonyms: supra
in or to a place that is higherSynonyms: higher up in a higher place to a higher place

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Above \A*bove"\, prep. [OE. above, aboven, abuffe, AS. abufon; an (or on) on + be by + ufan upward; cf. Goth. uf under. [root]199. See Over.]

1.In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; -- opposed to below or beneath. [1913 Webster]

Fowl that may fly above the earth.— Gen. i. 20.[1913 Webster]

2.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. "Thy worth . . . is actions above my gifts." --Marlowe. [1913 Webster]

I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun.— Acts xxxvi. 13.[1913 Webster]

3.Surpassing in number or quantity; more than; as, above a hundred. (Passing into the adverbial sense. See Above, adv., 4.) [1913 Webster]

above all, before every other consideration; chiefly; in preference to other things. [1913 Webster]

Over and above, prep. or adv., besides; in addition to. [1913 Webster]

Above \A*bove"\, adv.

1.In a higher place; overhead; into or from heaven; as, the clouds above. [1913 Webster]

2.Earlier in order; higher in the same page; hence, in a foregoing page. "That was said above." --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

3.Higher in rank or power; as, he appealed to the court above. [1913 Webster]

4.More than; as, above five hundred were present. [1913 Webster]

Note: Above is often used elliptically as an adjective by omitting the word mentioned, quoted, or the like; as, the above observations, the above reference, the above articles. -- Above is also used substantively. "The waters that come down from above." --Josh. iii. 13. [1913 Webster] It is also used as the first part of a compound in the sense of before, previously; as, above-cited, above-described, above-mentioned, above-named, abovesaid, abovespecified, above-written, above-given. [1913 Webster]