below

Etymology

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

prep

1. Lower in spatial position than.
   The treasure is buried two meters below the surface.
   The marmalade is on the shelf below the bread.
2. Lower than in value, price, rank, concentration, etc.
   Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident. Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer. 2013 July-August, Philip J. Bushnell, “Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance”, in American Scientist
   The temperature is below zero.
   Liverpool are below Manchester City in the Premier League.
3. Downstream of.
   The River Thames is tidal below Teddington Lock.
4. South of.
   Sudan is below Egypt.
5. Unsuitable to the rank or dignity of; beneath.
   Such petty behavior is below me.
6. (stage directions) Downstage of.
   Below the sofa is a low, round coffee table. 1952, Frederick Knott, Dial "M" for Murder, 1954 Dramatists Play Service acting edition, act 1, scene 1

adv

1. In or to a lower place.
   1. On or to a lower storey.
      She lives below, on the ground floor.
   2. (nautical) On or to a lower deck, especially as relative to the main deck.
      The captain went below to inspect the engine.
      the landlubbers lying down below
2. Later in the same text.
   This point is explained below.
   By their execution hereof, the Parties incur a legal obligation to pass consideration under this Loan Contract as is set forth below.
3. (of a temperature) Below zero.
   It was forty degrees below.