Under

/ˈʌndər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A position or condition underneath something.
The under of the bridge is not accessible.
preposition
In a position below or beneath something.
The cat is hiding under the table.
Less than; in a lower amount or degree.
He earns under $50,000 a year.
In a state of or subject to something.
She is under a lot of stress at work.
adverb
In or to a lower place or position.
The ball rolled under.
In a lower or lesser amount.
The temperature is expected to fall under.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'under', akin to German 'unter' and Dutch 'onder'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

under pressure
In a state of stress or urgency.
under the weather
Feeling ill or unwell.
under the influence
Affected by alcohol or drugs.

Related Words

over
In a higher position than something else.
beneath
In a lower position but often implies an element of subjugation.
subordinate
Lower in rank or status.

Slang Meanings

Under the radar
He's been working under the radar to avoid attention.
Under the gun
I'm under the gun to finish this project by tomorrow.