beneath

1 of 2

adverb

be·​neath bi-ˈnēth 

bē-

1

: in or to a lower position : below

the mountains and the towns beneath

2

: directly under : underneath

Look at the illustration and read what is beneath.

beneath

2 of 2

preposition

1

a

: in or to a lower position than : below

beneath the surface

b

: directly under

the ground beneath her feet

c

: at the foot of

a camp beneath a hill

2

: not suitable to the rank of : unworthy of

a job that is beneath his dignity

3

: under the control, pressure, or influence of

the chair sagged beneath his weight

4

: concealed by : under the guise of

a warm heart beneath a gruff manner

Synonyms of beneath

Adverb

• underneath

Preposition

• under
• underneath

Examples of beneath in a Sentence

Adverb

the mountains and the towns beneath

the sky above and the earth beneath

an awning with chairs and tables beneath

The ground beneath is covered with flowers.

Preposition

the sky above us and the earth beneath us

just beneath the surface of the water

The painting is hanging on the wall with a plaque beneath it.

We had a picnic beneath a large tree.

The paper was hidden beneath a pile of books.

She wore a sweater beneath her coat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The daring creation featured a strapless neckline, subtle crystal embellishment, and a skirt that was completely split down the sides to reveal glittery sheer trousers beneath. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

Speculation is that Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone and Brad Pitt all owe their revitalized appearance to the procedure that repositions skin and the muscles beneath. —Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

Preposition

But beneath the apparent stability of Parisian politics, the first round of voting last Sunday did reflect an important electoral shift in municipal elections widely seen as both a launching pad and a bellwether for France’s parties one year ahead of the presidential poll. —Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026

One of my earliest memories is standing with my father on the Michigan Avenue bridge during a summer festival, watching the lights reflect off Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building as the river rolled beneath us. —Jennifer N. Pritzker, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb and Preposition

Middle English benethe, from Old English beneothan, from be- + neothan below; akin to Old English nithera nether — more at nether

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing beneath

• beneath contempt
• beneath one's dignity
• from beneath

Rhymes for beneath

• bequeath
• neath
• sheath
• teeth
• wreath
• underneath

Kids Definition

beneath

1 of 2 adverb

be·​neath bi-ˈnēth 

: in or to a lower position : below

beneath

2 of 2 preposition

1

a

: lower than : below

b

: directly under

2

: not worthy of

work beneath your dignity