A1adverb 1K

Below

UK /["/bɪˈləʊ/"]/ US /["/bɪˈləʊ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

at or to a lower level, position or place

Listen to definition

In simple words: Lower than something else in position or level.

Examples

• They live on the floor below.
• I could still see the airport buildings far below.
• See below *(= at the bottom of the page)* for references.
• The passengers who felt seasick stayed below *(= on a lower )*.
• This ruling applies to the ranks of Inspector and below.
• The thermometer had dropped to a record 40 below *(= −40 degrees)*.

Usage notes

Used in both written and spoken English. It can refer to physical position or metaphorical ranking. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

below + object

Memory hint

Think of a submarine going 'below' the surface of the water — it goes lower.

Collocations

• below average
• below freezing
• below expectations

Synonyms

• under
• beneath
• down

Antonyms

• above
• over

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'bellow' (to shout).
• Using 'below' to indicate time (instead of 'earlier').
• Omitting the object when used in a sentence.