underneath
|un-der-neath|
B1
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈniːθ/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈniːθ/
below surface
Etymology
Etymology Information
'underneath' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'underneothan', where 'under' meant 'below' and 'neothan' meant 'beneath'.
Historical Evolution
'underneothan' transformed into the Middle English word 'underneath', and eventually became the modern English word 'underneath'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'below or beneath', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the lower surface or part of something.
The underneath of the car was covered in mud.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a position below or beneath something else.
She wore a sweater underneath her coat.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39