below

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   at a later place

   see below

2. 2
   adv

   in writing, see below

   You will find a more detailed explanation below.

3. 3
   prep

   Lower in spatial position than.

   One morning I had been driven to the precarious refuge afforded by the steps of the inn, after rejecting offers from the Celebrity to join him in a variety of amusements. But even here I was not free from interruption, for he was seated on a horse-block below me, playing with a fox terrier.

4. 4
   prep

   Lower than in value, price, rank, concentration, etc.

   one degree below kings

5. 5
   prep

   Downstream of.

   The River Thames is tidal below Teddington Lock.

6. 6
   prep

   South of.

   Sudan is below Egypt.

7. 7
   prep

   Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of; beneath.

   They beheld, with a just loathing and disdain, […] how below all history the persons and their actions were.

8. 8
   prep

   Downstage of.

   Below the sofa is a low, round coffee table.

Etymology

From Middle English bilooghe, equivalent to be- + low. Compare also earlier Middle English alogh, alow, aloȝ, alowe (“below”), benethen (“beneath”), Dutch omlaag (“downwards”).