2 entries under this word
prep. [be and low.] 1. Under in place; beneath; not so high; as, below the moon; below the knee. Shak.
Sense 2. Inferior to in rank, excellence, or dignity. “One degree below kings.” Addison.
Sense 3. Unworthy of; unbefitting.
They beheld, with a just loathing and disdain, . . . how, below all history the persons and their actions were. Milton.
adv. 1. In a lower place, with respect to any object; beneath.
And hear the rattling thunder far below. Wordsworth.
Sense 2. On the earth, as opposed to the heavens.
The fairest child of Jove below. Prior.
Sense 3. In hell, or the regions of the dead. “The realms below.” Dryden.
Sense 4. In a court of inferior jurisdiction; as, at the trial below. Wheaton.
Synonyms—BELOW, BENEATH. A thing is below us when its position is simply lower than ours; it is beneath us when it is very far below, as if it were in the “nether” regions.
This said, he led them up the mountain’s brow, And showed them all the shining fields below.
Trembling, I view the dread abyss beneath.
In speaking figuratively, with a view to put a thing very low by way of contempt, we should use beneath, not below; as, such conduct is beneath the dignity of a man; such charges are beneath the notice of a gentleman; a man of his character is beneath contempt.