preceding vs above

preceding is not a noun while above is a noun.

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

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

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

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