Basic Details
Word: Below
Part of Speech: Preposition / Adverb
Preposition: At a lower level or position than something else.
Adverb: In or to a lower place; further down.
Synonyms: Under, beneath, underneath, lower than, down
Antonyms: Above, over, higher than, atop, overhead
Idioms and Phrases
- Below the belt: Unfair or cruel behavior or comment.
Example: "That insult was really below the belt."
- Below par: Not as good as expected; substandard.
Example: "His performance was below par due to illness."
- Go below deck: To move to the lower part of a ship.
Example: "During the storm, all passengers were asked to go below deck."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The temperature dropped below freezing last night.
Example 2: Her scores were below the national average.
Example 3: Please read the instructions given below the diagram.
Fun Fact
The word "below" originates from Middle English, combining be- (a prefix meaning by) and low, meaning not high. It has been in use since the 14th century.
Famous Quote
"Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star below." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does the word "below" mean as a preposition?
a) Above something
b) Inside something
c) At a lower level than something else
d) Opposite to something
Answer: c) At a lower level than something else
2. Which sentence uses "below" correctly?
a) The sun is shining below the clouds.
b) Her grades were below average this term.
c) The balloon floated below into the sky.
d) He stood below on the mountain top.
Answer: b) Her grades were below average this term.
3. What is a synonym of "below"?
a) Above
b) Beneath
c) Over
d) Beyond
Answer: b) Beneath
4. What does the idiom "below the belt" mean?
a) A physical injury
b) An unfair or hurtful comment
c) A compliment
d) A part of clothing
Answer: b) An unfair or hurtful comment
5. Which is an antonym of "below"?
a) Down
b) Beneath
c) Under
d) Above
Answer: d) Above
