Beneath Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beneath

[bɪˈniːθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

preposition

In or to a lower place; below.

Synonyms

below, under.

Examples of usage

  • The tunnel goes deep beneath the city.
  • She hid beneath the table.
Context #2 | Adverb

position

Underneath (something else).

Synonyms

below, under.

Examples of usage

  • The cat lay beneath the tree.
  • The treasure was buried beneath the sand.
Context #3 | Preposition

position

Under (a layer or covering).

Synonyms

below, under.

Examples of usage

  • The letter was hidden beneath a pile of books.
  • The roots spread out beneath the surface.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, 'beneath' often symbolizes hidden emotions or thoughts deep within someone.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare used the term to convey depth, both physical and metaphorical.

Psychology

  • 'Beneath' can represent what is subconscious or what might be hidden from a person’s conscious mind.
  • People often have feelings or memories that lie beneath their everyday awareness, affecting behavior.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters often discover secrets that lie beneath the surface of their lives.
  • Songs sometimes use 'beneath' to talk about hidden feelings or what lies under a person's exterior.

Science

  • In geology, 'beneath' refers to layers of rock or soil that are found underneath the Earth's surface.
  • Marine biology studies ecosystems that exist beneath the ocean, highlighting the importance of depths in habitats.

Origin of 'beneath'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'benaeþan,' which means 'under' and 'neath' means 'in a lower position.'
  • Over time, 'beneath' evolved through Middle English, keeping its meaning of being below something.

The word 'beneath' originated from Middle English 'beneothe', which came from Old English 'beneothan', meaning 'below'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to indicate something located under or below something else.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,315, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.