1 B2 neutral
to originate physically from a lower place or level
"A strange humming sound seemed to come from below."
inseparable
come from below
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
to originate or move from a lower level, position, or class
In plain English
to start lower down and move or develop upward
What does "come from below" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
to arise from people or groups with less power or lower social position
"Real political change often comes from below."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to move from a lower place
Actually means
to start lower down and move or develop upward
Usage tip
Less common as a fixed phrasal verb. It is used in literal descriptions and in metaphorical discussions of class, pressure, or grassroots movements.
Words that pair with "come from below"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pressure support voice sound groundwater working class
How to conjugate "come from below"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
come from below
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes from below
he/she/it
Past simple
came from below
yesterday
Past participle
come from below
have + pp
-ing form
coming from below
continuous
Hear "come from below" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "come from below" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "come from below"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
arise from below come up from originate in lower levels rise from
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