above vs preceding

above is a noun but preceding is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
above	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
preceding	No	Yes	No	No

above (noun)	preceding (noun)
an earlier section of a written text

above (adjective)	preceding (adjective)
appearing earlier in the same text	existing or coming before
	of a person who has held and relinquished a position or office

above (adverb)	preceding (adverb)
(in writing) at an earlier place
in or to a place that is higher