above all

a·bove  (-bv)

adv.

1. On high; overhead: the clouds above.

2. In heaven; heavenward.

3.

a. Upstairs: a table in the dining room above.

b. To a degree that is over zero: 15° above.

4. In or to a higher place.

5. In an earlier part of a given text: "The problems cited above have led to a number of suggestions for reform" (Wharton Magazine).

6. In or to a higher rank or position: the ranks of major and above.

prep.

1. Over or higher than: a cool spring above the timberline.

2. Superior to in rank, position, or number; greater than: put principles above expediency.

3. Beyond the level or reach of: a shot that was heard above the music.

4. In preference to.

5. Too honorable to bend to: I am above petty intrigue.

6. More than: somewhat above normal temperature.

7. Upstream of: a dam positioned ten miles above the town.

8. North of: Minnesota is above Iowa.

n.

1. An earlier part of a given text: Refer to the above for that information.

2. The person or persons already referred to in a text: The above hereby affix their signatures.

adj.

Appearing earlier in the same text: flaws in the above interpretation.

Idiom:

above all

Over and above all other factors or considerations: Above all, tell the truth.

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[Middle English aboven, from Old English abfan : a-, on; see a-² + bfan, above; see upo in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

Adv.	1.	above all - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" most especially, most importantly
	2.	above all - taking everything together; "she was first and last a scientist" first and last