underneath
gb/ˌʌndɚnˈiθ/ us/ˌʌndɚnˈiθ/
A2
English
~ 1500
alatt, alul, alatta, alá, mögött, legbelül
A2
1
alatt
A1
Usage pattern:
underneath [something]
The keys are underneath the couch cushions.
A kulcsok a kanapépárnák alatt vannak.
We found a small box hidden underneath the floorboards.
Egy kis dobozt találtunk elrejtve a padlódeszkák alatt.
The cat was sleeping underneath the blanket.
Her phone was underneath a pile of books.
Learner examples
The ball is underneath the chair.
A labda a szék alatt van.
My shoes are underneath the bed.
A cipőim az ágy alatt vannak.
The paper is underneath your bag.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'underneath' with 'under'; both can mean 'below', but 'underneath' often suggests being covered or hidden.
Meaning
directly below something
Collocations
hidden underneath
|underneath the surface
|underneath the table
|underneath the bed
Synonyms
beneath (Slightly more formal; otherwise similar meaning.)
|
below (Can refer to a more general lower position, not always directly covered.)
Antonyms
above (Indicates a higher position instead of a lower one.)
Themes
daily life
|spatial relations
|space
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a place lower than something and often covered by it.
In a position directly below something else, often covered or hidden by it.
A2
2
She looked up at the roof and then underneath to see if it was leaking.
Felnézett a tetőre, majd alulról is megnézte, nem szivárog-e.
The dog crawled underneath to hide from the noise.
A kutya bemászott alá, hogy elbújjon a zaj elől.
He stood on the balcony and saw the garden underneath.
Learner examples
There is water underneath.
Alatta víz van.
I see my bag underneath.
Alul látom a táskámat.
The shoes are right underneath.
Meaning
below or beneath something
Collocations
directly underneath
|right underneath
Synonyms
below (General term for lower position; 'underneath' can sound slightly more emphatic or concrete.)
Antonyms
overhead (Indicates a position above instead of below.)
Themes
daily life
|spatial relations
|space
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a place that is lower than something else.
In a position below or beneath something else, often as a response to 'where?'.
B1
3
Usage pattern:
underneath [appearance/behavior]
Underneath his confident smile, he was nervous.
Magabiztos mosolya mögött valójában idegesség rejtőzött.
She seems strict, but underneath she is very kind.
Szigorúnak tűnik, de legbelül nagyon kedves.
Underneath their rivalry, there is mutual respect.
Learner examples
Underneath his anger, he cares for you.
A haragja mögött valójában az áll, hogy törődik veled.
She looks happy, but underneath she is sad.
Boldognak látszik, de legbelül szomorú.
Underneath their fight, they are friends.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this figurative sense in casual speech; in some cases, 'deep down' might be more natural.
Meaning
beneath the surface quality
Collocations
underneath it all
|underneath her smile
Synonyms
beneath (Similar meaning; 'beneath' can sound more formal or literary in this figurative use.)
Antonyms
on the surface (Refers to what appears outwardly, not the hidden truth.)
Themes
emotions
|personality
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say what is really true behind how something looks or feels.
Used to indicate the true nature or reality that lies beneath an outward appearance or behavior.
Grammar
Dictionary form
underneath
IPA
GB/ˌʌndɚnˈiθ/
US/ˌʌndɚnˈiθ/
Syllables & stress
un - der - neath (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (der)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: underneath
Word family
Expressions
right underneath
1/ɹˈaɪt ˌʌndɚnˈiθ/
fixed phrase
directly below something
Exactly in a place that is lower than something else.
Examples
- The pen was right underneath the notebook.
- She stood right underneath the tree for shade.
underneath it all
1/ˌʌndɚnˈiθ ˈɪt ˈɔl/
fixed phrase
despite outward appearances
Used to say what someone or something is really like behind how they seem.
Examples
- Underneath it all, he’s just a shy person.
- She may seem tough, but underneath it all she’s very gentle.