How to pronounce above
Say it like uh-BUHV. Above has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BUHV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce above. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BUHV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Above pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BUHVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of above
American and British speakers say above in essentially the same way: /əˈbʌv/ in the US and /əˈbʌv/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BUHV.
What does above mean?
- (in writing) at an earlier place“see above”
- in or to a place that is higher
- appearing earlier in the same text“flaws in the above interpretation”
- an earlier section of a written text“for instructions refer to the above”
Where does above come from?
The preposition, the adjective, and the noun derive from the adverb.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with above
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of above.
Questions about saying above
How do you pronounce above?
Say uh-BUHV. The American pronunciation is /əˈbʌv/. In British English it is /əˈbʌv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in above?
Above has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BUHV). Broken into parts: uh · BUHV.
Do Americans and Brits say above the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbʌv/ and the British form is /əˈbʌv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.