English · Word Candidate

underneath

/ˌʌndəˈniːθ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: underneaths

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Below; in a place beneath.

Adverb

Examples

I can't take my sweater off: I amn't wearing anything else on underneath.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

On the underside or lower face.

Adverb

Examples

No insects exhibit, like them, what may be termed four net-work eyes. It is very easy to perceive them in looking at the animal from above, and then examining it underneath

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Under, below, beneath.

Preposition

Examples

Underneath the water, all was calm.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Under the control or power of.

Preposition

Examples

There was little freedom underneath the Nazi jackboot.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “underneath” mean?

Below; in a place beneath.

Is “underneath” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.