underneath
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈniːθ/
KK: /ʌndərˈniːθ/
adjective
Definition
Located directly below something else; in a lower position.
Example
The cat is hiding underneath the table.
Conversation
Have you seen the box that was underneath the table?
No, I haven't. What was inside it?
I think it's just some old books we forgot about.
Oh, I should check there too; I might have left something important!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lower
beneath
subjacent
Antonyms
upper
overhead
above
adverb
Definition
In a position that is directly below something else or covered by it.
Example
The cat is hiding underneath the table.
Conversation
Have you seen my keys? I think they might be underneath the couch.
I haven't, but let's check there together.
I always forget things and end up finding them underneath something random.
noun
Definition
The area or surface that is located below or under something else.
Example
The cat likes to hide underneath the table.
Conversation
Have you checked what’s underneath the old rug in the living room?
No, I haven't! Is there something interesting there?
I think there might be some old coins or something hidden underneath it.
preposition
Definition
In a position directly below something else.
Example
The cat is hiding underneath the table.
Conversation
I think I left my keys underneath the couch.
Did you check there? They might have fallen out.
Yeah, I’ll look again just to be sure.
Root Explanation
Underneath → It is formed from "under" (from Old English "under", meaning below or beneath) and "neath" (from Old English "neothan", meaning beneath or lower). The word "underneath" means situated directly below or beneath something.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'below' ('under') something and 'lower' ('neath') — that's why underneath means being directly below.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.