under
1un·der
adverb \ˈən-dər\Definition of UNDER
1
: in or into a position below or beneath something
2
: below or short of some quantity, level, or limit <$10 or under> —often used in combination <understaffed>
3
: in or into a condition of subjection, subordination, or unconsciousness <put the patient under for surgery>
4
: down to defeat, ruin, or death <weaker competitors will be forced under>
5
: so as to be covered <buried under by the avalanche>
Examples of UNDER
- Pull the bed sheets tight then fold the ends under.
- He turned under his shirt's collar.
- The whale surfaced briefly then dove under again.
- The bridge was too low for the ship to sail under.
- A score of 60 is needed to pass; anything under is failing.
- They had to put me under for surgery.
Origin of UNDER
Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English; akin to Old High German untar under, Latin inferus situated beneath, lower, infra below, Sanskrit adha
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to UNDER
- Synonyms
- beneath, below, underneath
- Antonyms
- up
2under
prepositionDefinition of UNDER
1
: below or beneath so as to be overhung, surmounted, covered, protected, or concealed by <under sunny skies> <a soft heart under a stern exterior> <under cover of darkness>
2
a : subject to the authority, control, guidance, or instruction of <served under the general> <under the terms of the contract> <a program that runs under any operating system> b : receiving or undergoing the action or effect of <under pressure> <courage under fire> <under the influence of alcohol> <the image of a point under a mapping> <under oath>
3
a : within the group or designation of <under this heading> b : having as name or title <traveling under an alias>
4
: less or lower than (as in size, amount, or rank); especially : falling short of a standard or required degree <under the legal age> <under par>
Examples of UNDER
- They couldn't climb over the wall, so they dug a hole under it.
- Draw a line under each word you don't know.
- We sat under a tree and rested a while.
- I'm wearing a sweater under my jacket.
- The ball rolled under the car.
- How long can you hold your breath under water?
- The cafe is under new management.
- The army captured three forts while under the general's command.
- He has been under a lot of pressure at work lately.
- You will be under anesthesia during the operation.
First Known Use of UNDER
before 12th century
3under
adjectiveDefinition of UNDER
1
a : lying or placed below, beneath, or on the ventral side —often used in combination <underlip> b : facing or protruding downward
2
: lower in rank or authority : subordinate
3
: lower than usual, proper, or desired in amount, quality, or degree —often used in combination <an under-dose of medicine>
First Known Use of UNDER
13th century
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