Langimage
English

below

|be-low|

A2

🇺🇸

/bɪˈloʊ/

🇬🇧

/bɪˈləʊ/

lower position

Etymology
Etymology Information

'below' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'beloan,' where 'be-' meant 'by' and 'low' meant 'low.'

Historical Evolution

'beloan' transformed into the Middle English word 'biloȝe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'below.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'by a low place,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a lower place.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in or to a lower place; beneath.

The temperature dropped below freezing.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Preposition 1

lower in rank, degree, or importance than.

He ranks below his brother in the company.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35