underneath

[ uhn-der-neeth, -neeth ]

preposition

1. below the surface or level of; directly or vertically beneath; at or on the bottom of.
2. under the control of; in a lower position in a hierarchy of authority:

   Underneath the department heads are the junior executives.

3. hidden, disguised, or misrepresented, as by a false appearance or pretense:

   Underneath his bluster is a timid nature.

adverb

1. below; at a lower level or position; on the underside.

adjective

1. lower; situated below or under.

noun

1. the bottom; underside; lowest part.

underneath

/ ˌʌndəˈniːθ /

preposition

1. under; beneath

adjective

1. lower

noun

1. a lower part, surface, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of underneath¹

before 900; Middle English undernethe, Old English underneothan. See under, beneath

Word History and Origins

Origin of underneath¹

Old English underneothan, from under + neothan below; related to Old Danish underneden; see beneath

Example Sentences

Instead, he was joining other teachers sweeping up material from an early morning fire underneath the stadium bleachers that severely damaged the press box.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Woodman said there was heat and fire damage under the surface the TV and console were on, adding that “charring” was seen underneath the area, although there wasn’t photographic evidence.

From BBC

And the scout team — there’s a blessing in disguise underneath all of this.

From Los Angeles Times

“You are not responsible for everything that happens underneath you. You have to rely on the advice of internal and external experts,” she argued.

From BBC

On the outside she’s all bureaucracy, but there’s a lot going on underneath.

From Los Angeles Times