above

UK: əˈbʌv | US: əˈbʌv

Definition
  1. prep. in or to a higher position than something else

  2. adv. at a higher level or layer

  3. adj. mentioned or appearing earlier in a text or conversation

Structure
a <on, in>bove <above>
Etymology

The word "above" originates from Old English bufan, a combination of be (meaning "by" or "on") and ufan (meaning "over" or "above"). Over time, bufan evolved into "above," retaining its core sense of spatial or hierarchical superiority. The morpheme a- preserves the idea of position, while bove carries the upward direction. This dual structure reflects the word’s enduring logic: physical or metaphorical elevation.

Examples
  1. The bird flew above the clouds.

  2. Please see the instructions above for details.

  3. Her name appears above mine on the list.

  4. The temperature rose above 30°C yesterday.

  5. He values honesty above all else.