What are the definitions of “get above”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Behave as if you are better or more important than others.
She's been GETTING ABOVE HERSELF since she got promoted. ( This is normally used in progressive forms and followed by a reflexive pronoun, though' get above your station' is also used. )
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get above”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get above is to behave as if you are better or more important than others. It is often used in progressive forms and followed by a reflexive pronoun. For example, someone might say that a person is getting above themselves if they act arrogantly or think they are superior to others.
What are the different verb forms of “get above”?
| Root Verb | get above |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets above |
| Present Participle | getting above |
| Simple Past | got above |
| Past Participle | gotten above |
Example
He shouldn't get above his friends just because he got a new job.
Example
She gets above her colleagues when she receives praise from the boss.
Example
He is getting above himself since he started dating a famous actress.
Example
After winning the lottery, he got above his old friends and stopped talking to them.
Example
She had gotten above herself after her promotion, but eventually, she became more humble.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get above”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“get above” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He is getting above himself since he got a promotion.
Example
She got above herself after winning the award.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“get above” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He is getting above himself since he got a promotion.
Example
She got above herself after winning the award.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get above”?
Good things to know
Does “get above” have an informal or formal tone?
Get above is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or written language. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'act arrogantly' or 'behave haughtily' can be used.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “get above”?
Synonyms
- act arrogantly
- behave haughtily
- be condescending
- be pretentious
- be snobbish
- look down on others
Antonyms
- be humble
- show humility
- be modest
- treat others equally
- respect others
- be down-to-earth
