Definition of 'below'

Word Frequency

below

(bɪloʊ )

1. preposition

If something is below something else, it is in a lower position.

He appeared from the apartment directly below Leonard's.

The path runs below a long brick wall.

The sun had already sunk below the horizon.

The boat dipped below the surface of the water.

Synonyms: under, beneath, underneath, lower than More Synonyms of below

Below is also an adverb.

We climbed rather perilously down a rope-ladder to the boat below.

...a view to the street below.

Spread out below was a great crowd.

below ground

3. adverb [noun ADVERB, ADVERB after verb]

You use below in a piece of writing to refer to something that is mentioned later.

Please contact me on the number below.

For a step-by-step guide see below.

4. preposition

If something is below a particular amount, rate, or level, it is less than that amount, rate, or level.

Night temperatures can drop below 15 degrees Celsius.

The company agreed to keep overall price increases to 7.5 per cent below inflation.

Rainfall has been below average.

Synonyms: less than, under, lower than, smaller than More Synonyms of below

Below is also an adverb.

...temperatures at zero or below.

5. preposition

If someone is below you in an organization, they are lower in rank.

Such people often experience less stress than those in the ranks immediately below them.

...pay rises awarded to all white-collar staff below chief officer level.

Synonyms: subordinate to, under, subject to, inferior to More Synonyms of below

6. below par

More Synonyms of below

Video: pronunciation of 'below'

Word Frequency

below in British

(bɪˈləʊ )

preposition

at or to a position lower than; under

less than in quantity or degree

south of

downstream of

unworthy of; beneath

adverb

at or to a lower position or place

at a later place (in something written)

see below

8. archaic

beneath heaven; on earth or in hell

Word origin of 'below'

C14: bilooghe, from bi by + looghe low1

Word Frequency

below in American

(bɪˈloʊ ; bilōˈ)

adverb, adjective

in or to a lower place; beneath

in a lower place on the page or on a later page (of a book, etc.)

in or to hell

on earth

on or to a lower floor or deck

in or to a lesser rank, amount, etc.

at a temperature lower than zero

it reached 13 below

preposition

lower than, as in position, rank, or worth

unworthy of

it is below her to say that

Word origin of 'below'

see be- & low1

Example sentences containing 'below'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Mixed fleet crew earn just over the minimum wage and below the national average. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Why did he sleep in his car when temperatures were plunging below zero? The Sun (2017) See below for details of how to enter. The Sun (2017)For your copy email the address below. The Sun (2016)Forecasters say temperatures will crash below zero with snow likely in some areas in the coming weeks. The Sun (2016)Not one of the security guards below had seen us. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It is claimed that some cabin crew earned barely above the minimum wage and well below the national average. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The copper run-off is not targeted and will kill plants on the ground below. Times, Sunday Times (2017)Inflation is dropping below 6 per cent but it remains to be seen whether that can be maintained. Times, Sunday Times (2016)With temperatures predicted to drop below zero this week and the fighting intensifying, there is worse to come. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The south cooled down significantly and temperatures are set to remain around or below average this week. Times, Sunday Times (2012)But yesterday the number of congressman supporting the measure appeared to drop below a majority. Times, Sunday Times (2007) Please tick box below to show which wash chosen. The Sun (2009)All fluid drinks are also taken at below the ambient temperature. Times, Sunday Times (2010) See below for details on how to enter. The Sun (2008)You have to when the temperature in more than half the country hovers below zero in winter. Times, Sunday Times (2006)They are still eyeing automatic promotion and take on the team directly below them in the table. The Sun (2015)Watch these weird and wacky clips today at the address below. The Sun (2009)The company stopped operations when the roof had been raised to half a mile below ground. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Sharp temperatures that are well below zero over a long period are more harmful to birds. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The pictures are intended to be placed on two columns directly below the main dome. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Then email your video to the address below. The Sun (2014)Since the war there has been a slow retreat from life below ground. Times, Sunday Times (2008)There are few crowded mills below any more. Times, Sunday Times (2006)You can see my thoughts below. Christianity Today (2000)In the classic disaster the crew drop below the minimum safe altitude in the belief that they are about to see the runway. Times, Sunday Times (2010)But they are also just below human resources people - the ones responsible for your happiness at work. Times, Sunday Times (2008) SEE below to find out what happened to some of the original cast. The Sun (2010)Please confirm your preferences below. The Sun (2011)The average age is below 26, which is welcome. Times, Sunday Times (2011) See panel, below left. Times, Sunday Times (2016)