Underneath

/ˌʌndərˈniːθ/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

In a position directly below or beneath something else.

The cat is hiding underneath the table.

To a lesser degree or to a lesser extent than.

The noise was loud, but underneath it, I could hear the music playing.

preposition

In a position below or beneath.

The book fell underneath the couch.

Concealed by or hidden from view.

Underneath her calm exterior, she was feeling quite anxious.

Middle English, from under + neath (variant of beneath).

underneath it all

The true nature of something when all surface appearances are removed.

underneath the surface

Referring to what lies hidden or is not immediately visible.

underneath someone's skin

To annoy or irritate someone.

beneath

Directly under; lower than.

below

At a lower level or layer.

subordinate

Lower in rank or position.

Under the radar

She prefers to work underneath the radar, avoiding attention.

Under wraps

The project is still underneath wraps until the launch.