/ bɪˈləʊ; NAmE bɪˈloʊ/ preposition , adverb
■ preposition
1.
at or to a lower level or position than sb/sth :
He dived below the surface of the water.
Please do not write below this line.
Skirts will be worn below (= long enough to cover) the knee.
2.
of a lower amount or standard than sb/sth :
The temperatures remained below freezing all day.
Her work was well below average for the class.
3.
of a lower rank or of less importance than sb/sth :
A police sergeant is below an inspector.
■ adverb
1.
at or to a lower level, position or place :
They live on the floor below.
I could still see the airport buildings far below.
See below (= at the bottom of the page) for references.
The passengers who felt seasick stayed below (= on a lower deck ) .
2.
( of a temperature ) lower than zero :
The thermometer had dropped to a record 40 below (= −40 degrees) .
3.
at a lower rank :
This ruling applies to the ranks of Inspector and below.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (as an adverb): from be- by + the adjective low . Not common until the 16th cent., the word developed a prepositional use and was frequent in Shakespeare.