What is above? Pronunciation and usage in English

above means . Learn how to pronounce and use above through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of above

abovepreposition

/əˈbʌv/
Definition & pronunciation of above

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "above" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əbˈvaɪ/ (uhb-VAI)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. “uhb”: This is a short, unstressed "uh" sound, like in "but" or "fun." It’s a very subtle sound.
  2. “VAI”: This is where people often stumble. It’s pronounced like the word "way" but with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "a" is a clear "ah" sound, like in "father."

Here’s a more detailed explanation with sounds:

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /əbˈvaɪ/
    • ə – This is a schwa sound – a very relaxed, reduced vowel sound often used for unstressed syllables. It’s like the "a" in "about."
    • b – The standard "b" sound.
    • ˈvaɪ – This is the key part. It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds blending together. It starts with a short "a" sound (like in "father") and smoothly transitions to a long "i" sound (like in "eye").

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the first syllable: The first syllable ("uhb") is very light and doesn't get much stress.
  • Focus on the "VAI" sound: Really practice that “ah-eye” blend.
  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get the rhythm and intonation correct is to hear how native speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "above" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/above/ – This site has pronunciations from native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce above" on YouTube - you'll find many videos with clear explanations and audio examples.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "above"?
  • Explain the difference between this pronunciation and other possible (less common) pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word above in English

Let's break down how to use the word "above" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation, broken down by category:

1. Physical Location – Higher Up

  • Most Common Usage: "Above" simply means higher than something else.
    • Example: "The clouds are above us." (The clouds are higher than we are.)
    • Example: "The picture is hung above the fireplace." (The picture is positioned higher than the fireplace.)
    • Example: "He lived in an apartment above the bakery." (His apartment was on a higher floor, located above the bakery.)

2. Spatial Relationships – Over or Across

  • Over: Indicates something is physically covering or extending over something else.
    • Example: "She wore a hat above her hair." (The hat covered her hair.)
    • Example: "The airplane flew above the mountains." (The airplane was positioned over the mountains.)
  • Across: Can mean extending across something.
    • Example: "The bridge spanned the river above the waterfall." (The bridge went across the river, and the waterfall was above it.)

3. Time – Later in Time

  • After: "Above" can indicate something happens after something else.
    • Example: "He finished his work above all else." (He finished his work first, after everything else.)
    • Example: "She arrived above the scheduled time." (She arrived later than expected.)

4. Abstract – Superior or Higher in Rank/Importance

  • Higher in Rank/Status/Importance: This is a more formal usage.
    • Example: "He is above the level of that trainee." (He is more experienced/skilled than the trainee.)
    • Example: "The CEO is above the department heads in the company structure." (The CEO is higher in the hierarchy.)
    • Example: "Let's not get bogged down in the details; focus on the big picture above all." (Focus on the main point, not the minor details.)

5. Writing & Layout (Specifically in Documents)

  • Above: Indicates text placed higher on the page. This is common in reports and documents.
    • Example: "Include the report findings above the summary." (Place the findings above the summary.)

6. Expressions & Idioms

  • Above all: Meaning "most importantly."
    • Example: "Above all, I want you to be happy.”
  • Above reproach: Meaning morally upright and having no fault.
    • Example: “He is a man above reproach.”

Tips for Using "Above" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “above” depends heavily on the context.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to avoid repetition, such as "over," "above," "higher," "on top of," "beyond," or "past."
  • Prepositions: “Above” is a preposition. Remember the rules for prepositional phrases (the object of the preposition comes after it).

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing/speaking are you working on? (e.g., essays, conversations, emails)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word above

Idioms of the word above

above all
most important of all; especially
  • Above all, keep in touch.
above yourself
(disapproving)having too high an opinion of yourself
    over and above
    in addition to something
    • There are other factors over and above those we have discussed.

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