below
preposition
UK/bɪˈləʊ/US/bɪˈloʊ/
In a lower place than; underneath or beneath something in position or order.
Example Sentences
Please read the paragraph below the picture for more information about the exhibit.
The layers of rock below the surface tell a story of prehistoric life and geological evolution.
He stored all the cooking utensils in the cabinet below the sink for easy access.
They discovered a hidden compartment below the floorboards, revealing a collection of old photographs and letters.
The cabin sits just below the mountain ridge, offering breathtaking views without the harsher winds at higher elevations.
Keep your legs and bags below the safety bar while riding the chairlift to prevent accidents.
Because the basement lies below ground level, it stays relatively cool in summer and warm in winter, making it ideal for storage and extra living space.
Slightly below the crest of the hill stood an abandoned barn, its weathered roof blending seamlessly with the surrounding field of tall grass.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
adverb
UK/bɪˈləʊ/US/bɪˈloʊ/
At or to a lower level or position; farther down.
Example Sentences
Look at the text below to find the instructions for assembling the furniture.
The higher floors are reserved for executive offices, while employee cubicles are located below.
Temperatures dropped below in the early morning hours, making frost form on car windows.
When you scroll below on the webpage, you’ll find a frequently asked questions section.
From the bridge, you can see the tranquil river flowing silently below, reflecting the golden lights of the city skyline at night.
Her name appears below in the list of contributors, indicating her role in finalizing the report.
Standing at the cliff’s edge, we observed how the valley unfurled far below, covered in a patchwork of fields and winding streams that glinted in the midday sun.
Students should complete the worksheet linked below before moving on to the next module, ensuring they understand the foundational concepts thoroughly.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Shows something is at or to a lower level or rank.“Below” typically functions as a preposition or adverb meaning “in a lower place or condition.” You might say, “The temperature is below freezing,” indicating a value under 0°C. As a preposition, it often references physical space—“below the surface,” “below the shelf”—but also figurative contexts, such as ranks or thresholds (“His score was below average”). In writing, “see below” can direct readers to content or details appearing later in the text. Whether referring to physical position (“the room below mine”) or figurative status (“their income is below the national median”), “below” underlines that something falls beneath a certain line, limit, or level. It can pair with comparative terms (“well below,” “slightly below”) to refine how much lower something is. When using “below” for instructions or references, ensure clarity about what standard or item is being used as the reference point, so readers grasp the gap or difference fully. This straightforward word covers both tangible and abstract gradients—always emphasizing a direction or degree that is lesser or lower in position or measure.
Alternatives
For synonyms, consider “under,” “beneath,” or “lower than,” each with a slightly different tone. “Under” is often more literal in physical situations—“under the table.” “Beneath” can sound somewhat formal or literary—“beneath the moonlight.” “Lower than” works best when quantifying or comparing levels—“His score is lower than hers.” Phrases like “down from” or “underneath” can also convey a position that’s less or below, whether physically or figuratively. Keep context in mind: “beneath” might suggest a more poetic or emotional setting, while “under” is plainspoken, and “lower than” focuses on comparison. “Sub-” as a prefix (like “sub-zero”) highlights being below a specific standard or threshold. Each alternative frames how something stands in relation to another reference point, offering nuance about direction, ranking, or space.
Writing
When using “below” in writing, identify whether you’re describing physical placement, numerical rank, or conceptual hierarchies. If you say, “Temperatures dropped below zero,” you convey a degree-based standard. In an article or report, “see the data below” directs readers to look further down the page for supporting details or tables. For clarity in instructions, you might phrase it as, “Fill in the fields below,” ensuring users know to find the form or details further down the page. If comparing quantities or figures, “The income is below the national mean” pinpoints that it’s at a lower level than a reference. In academic or professional contexts, pair “below” with precise references—“Table 2 below highlights the main findings”—so readers can quickly locate the relevant content. In more creative works, you can use “below” to set an atmosphere or vantage point: “He gazed at the city lights twinkling below.” Overall, incorporate contextual signposts—mentioning a chart, a line, or a threshold—to help readers follow how something stands lower, lesser, or under another point of reference.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “below” might come up when talking about location or comparisons. You could say, “The restaurant is just below my apartment,” meaning one floor or level down. Someone might ask, “Is it below freezing out?” to check if they need a heavy coat. At work or in personal finances, you might note, “Our budget is below the initial projection,” underscoring a shortfall. If discussing tasks, you can say, “Check the instructions below,” likely meaning in a text or a message further down. In texting, people often use “below” to guide recipients—“See below for the party address.” When referencing hierarchies or ranks, you can quip, “He’s below me on the leaderboard,” implying a better standing for you. These everyday uses focus on the notion that something’s physically or figuratively under a certain mark or place, but in a relaxed, straightforward manner that’s easy to understand. “Below” is direct, so it fits casual speech neatly, letting people know a location or status relative to a known point without any fuss.
Etymology
“Below” evolved from Middle English “bilo,” likely a variation of “beneath” or “under.” The prefix “be-” in Old English often served as an intensifier or marker of position, merging with “low,” meaning “not high.” Over time, “below” solidified as a distinct word signifying “in a lower place than.” Its usage has remained consistent across centuries, focusing on literal or figurative lower positions. In older texts, you might see “beneath” or “under” more frequently, while modern language uses “below” seamlessly in both ordinary instructions (“See below for the details”) and comparative contexts (“below average income”). This history underscores that “below” was formed out of the fundamental concept of ‘lesser or lower location,’ continuing into contemporary English to signal anything placed or ranked underneath a point of reference.