【Above】 and 【over】 are synonymous prepositions when they indicate elevation in position. They seldom imply contact between that which is higher and that which is lower; as a rule they allow an interval.
【Over】 and 【above】 differ in that 【over】 usually implies verticality while 【above】 may or may not. Thus the entire second story of a building is 【above】 but only a small part of it is directly 【over】 one who stands on the ground floor.
Between the extended senses analogous relations hold. 【Over】 and 【above】 agree in the idea of superiority but differ in the immediacy of reference.
Thus, the rank of ambassador is 【above】 that of minister but the British ambassador is not 【over】 the Portuguese minister; he stands in that relation to his own subordinates only.
Similarly 【above】 and 【over】 indicate a relationship of excess.
His strength is 【above】 the average.
We now have 【over】 half the amount required.
We shall not be tempted 【above】 our power to resist.
