underneath
/ˌʌn.dəˈniːθ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌndɚnˈiθ] /ˌʌn.dɚˈniːθ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌndɚnˈiθ] /ˌən-dər-ˈnēth/ (ame, mw)
underneath — preposition
1. in a position directly below something, often with the sense that the thing on t
in a position directly below something, often with the sense that the thing on top is covering or hiding it from view
Tyler found his wallet underneath a pile of old newspapers on the kitchen table.
The cat stayed hidden underneath the wooden porch during the whole thunderstorm.
Jiwoo noticed a thin layer of ice underneath the fresh snow that had fallen overnight.
A small stream runs underneath the old stone bridge in the village park.
The note was hidden underneath a stack of books on Nicholas's desk.
文法句型
underneath + noun phrase
用法筆記
Unlike 'under', 'underneath' often implies that the thing above covers or conceals the thing below. Compare: 'The ball rolled under the car' (location only) versus 'The ball rolled underneath the car' (hidden from view).
常見錯誤
2. used to describe the true feelings, personality, or nature of a person or thing
used to describe the true feelings, personality, or nature of a person or thing that is hidden behind a different outward appearance or behaviour
Underneath her calm expression, Élise was extremely nervous about the important exam.
figurative: underneath + appearance to reveal hidden feeling
Kofi seems very strict, but underneath that serious manner he has a warm heart.
Underneath all his anger, Otis felt deeply hurt by what his sister had said.
People often miss the kindness underneath Roya's quiet and reserved way of speaking.
- on the surface
what is outwardly visible or apparent
文法句型
underneath + noun phrase referring to appearance or behaviour
用法筆記
This sense is almost always followed by a noun phrase describing an external appearance (e.g., 'his calm manner', 'her confident smile'). The sentence then reveals the contrasting inner reality. Common in phrases like 'underneath it all' or 'underneath the surface'.
常見錯誤
underneath — adverb
1. in or to a position that is directly below something, with the idea that the thi
in or to a position that is directly below something, with the idea that the thing above is covering or hiding it
Ari lifted the heavy rug and discovered an old key lying underneath.
The floorboards were damaged, so the builders put new wooden ones underneath.
adverb: stands alone without object
The house looked perfectly fine from outside, but the pipes underneath were completely rusty.
João turned over the flat rock and saw small ants crawling underneath.
The top layer of paint came off, and the old green colour remained visible underneath.
文法句型
verb + underneath
be + underneath
用法筆記
As an adverb, 'underneath' does not take an object. The thing that is above must have been mentioned earlier in the conversation or sentence. This differs from the preposition form, which always needs a noun phrase after it.
常見錯誤
2. on the bottom side or lower surface of an object, as opposed to its top or upper
on the bottom side or lower surface of an object, as opposed to its top or upper side
The plate looked clean on the top, but it was still stained underneath.
Padma checked the car chassis from underneath by lying on the ground.
from underneath — viewing the bottom side
The leaf was bright green on top but pale and silvery grey underneath.
Some mushrooms are white above but dark brown underneath, which helps with identification.
The old wooden boat looked fine until Megan saw the rotten planks from underneath.
- on the underside
more explicit; less common in everyday speech
文法句型
be + [colour/adjective] + underneath
verb + from underneath
underneath — noun
1. the side of an object that faces downward, especially the one that is not normal
the side of an object that faces downward, especially the one that is not normally visible
Roya painted the underneath of the wooden shelf a darker shade of brown.
the underneath of + noun phrase
The underneath of the old boat was covered with barnacles and seaweed.
We found a small crack on the underneath of the ceramic bowl near the edge.
The hikers took shelter under the rocky overhang and examined the underneath for loose stones.
Nicholas checked the underneath of the furniture for any signs of woodworm.
文法句型
the underneath of + noun phrase
用法筆記
The noun form is almost always used with a definite article and followed by 'of' ('the underneath of something'). It refers specifically to the surface that faces downward or is normally hidden.