underneath

¹un·der·neath

preposition \ˌən-dər-ˈnēth\

Definition of UNDERNEATH

1

a : directly beneath <write the date underneath the address>

b : close under especially so as to be hidden <treachery lying underneath a mask of friendliness> <wore a swimsuit underneath his slacks>

2

: under subjection to

Examples of UNDERNEATH

1. He hid the envelope underneath his coat.
2. She slipped a note underneath the door.
3. The ball rolled underneath the car.
4. He lives in the apartment underneath mine.
5. There was gum stuck underneath the table.
6. Underneath her calm exterior was a nervous woman with a hot temper.
7. They actually had a lot in common underneath their obvious differences.

Origin of UNDERNEATH

Middle English undernethe, preposition & adverb, from Old English underneothan, from under + neothan below — more at beneath

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with UNDERNEATH

bridal wreath

²underneath

adverb

Definition of UNDERNEATH

1

: under or below an object or a surface : beneath

2

: on the lower side

— underneath adjective

Examples of UNDERNEATH

1. He wore a white sweater with a red shirt underneath.
2. She lifted up the rock and found ants crawling underneath.
3. The car had rust underneath.

First Known Use of UNDERNEATH

before 12th century

Related to UNDERNEATH

Synonyms

beneath, under, below

Antonyms

up

Related Words

beside, near, nearby

Near Antonyms

aloft, overhead