Beneath

/bɪˈniːθ/

Meaning & Definition

preposition

At a lower level or layer than; under.

The cat is hiding beneath the sofa.

In a lower position than.

The treasures were buried beneath the old tree.

Less important than; subordinate to.

He felt that the work was beneath his capabilities.

adverb

In a lower place.

The valley lay beneath the mountains.

In a manner that is considered inferior or unworthy.

You should not behave in a way that is beneath you.

Middle English, from Old English 'beneoðan', meaning 'from below'.

beneath notice

Not deserving attention or consideration.

feel beneath oneself

To feel that a situation or task is not worthy of one's abilities.

beneath the surface

Not obvious or visible; hidden features.

underneath

Located directly below something else.

subordinate

Lower in rank or position.

lower

Situated below something else.

In a bad position.

He's in deep beneath with those debts.

Used to imply something is not cool or acceptable.

That's so beneath us!