ENGLISH
REFERENCE

underneath

prep. · adv. · n. · adj.
US //ˌəndɝˈniθ// UK //ˌʌndənˈiːθ// un·der·neath
  1. 1 directly below (prep.)
    B1 Intermediate

    directly below something or covered by it.

    positioned directly below or beneath another object, often implying being covered or hidden by it.

    Example

    I found my lost earring underneath the sofa while I was cleaning.

    Example

    The researchers discovered a network of ancient tunnels running directly underneath the city's main square, hidden for centuries by modern pavement.
  2. 2 on the lower side (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in a lower place or on the bottom side of something.

    at or to a lower place or the underside of an object.

    Example

    The cake looked perfect on top, but it was still a bit raw underneath.

    Example

    The bridge appeared sturdy from a distance, but a closer inspection revealed significant rust on the iron supports underneath.
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  1. 3 the bottom part (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the bottom part or the underside of something.

    the lower part or bottom surface of an object.

    Example

    The underneath of the car was covered in mud after the long drive.

    Example

    To prevent further damage, the mechanic applied a protective coating to the underneath of the vehicle before the winter season began.
  2. 4 lower layer (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a layer that is below another one.

    situated lower down or on the bottom; often used to describe layers of clothing or material.

    Example

    She wore an underneath layer of thermal clothing to stay warm in the snow.

    Example

    The artist applied a bright red underneath layer to the canvas, which added a subtle warmth to the final landscape painting.
Origin

From Middle English undernethe, undernethen, from Old English underneoþan (“underneath”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *underniþer. Equivalent to under- + neath.

Idioms1 entry

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