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

Even when he’s been fiery, nearly frothing at the mouth, Day-Lewis has always been a master of stillness, relying on his tall, taut frame to hint at the formidable power or menace underneath.

From Los Angeles Times

"And it's as if the ground opened up underneath my feet. Her silence spoke volumes. It marked a point of no-return."

From BBC

More often than not, we’re just watching him walk around in a skin suit of Kerr, trying and failing not to see the movie star underneath.

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans have said they won't negotiate with political hostage-takers, but it is possible to see ground for compromise underneath the overheated rhetoric and acrimony.

From BBC

Track 80, “Room Service Ooh,” is exactly what it sounds like, with a clattering lid being lifted off a plate followed by Lindhome’s exclamation at what’s underneath.

From Los Angeles Times