underneath

American  

[uhn-der-neeth, -neeth] / ˌʌn dərˈniθ, -ˈnið /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˌʌndəˈniːθ /

preposition

1. under; beneath

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adjective

1. lower

noun

1. a lower part, surface, etc

Etymology

Origin of underneath

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

Example Sentences

Give me a meal that’s as much about what goes on top as what’s underneath — chili night, a loaded baked potato situation, an old-school salad bar — and I’m happy.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

"You clearly see near surface is saline water, 10 meters underneath is resistive freshwater. You see clearly it's everywhere."

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

But dealing with the realness of that underneath is never easy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Clear skies underneath a spring high pressure systems can increase this contrast further.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

To pass the time, people told stories and often sang long into the night, anything to avoid the stuffy cabins underneath their feet.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock