Underground: meaning, definitions and examples

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underground

[ ˈʌndəɡraʊnd ]

^{Context #1}

transport

A system of trains, buses, etc. that operate below ground in a city.

Synonyms

metro, subway, tube

Examples of usage

The London Underground is the oldest underground railway system in the world.
I prefer taking the underground to avoid traffic jams.

^{Context #2}

secret

Done secretly or hidden from public view.

Synonyms

clandestine, covert, hidden

Examples of usage

They were involved in underground activities to overthrow the government.
The underground resistance movement operated in secrecy.

Translations

Translations of the word "underground" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subterrâneo

🇮🇳 भूमिगत

🇩🇪 unterirdisch

🇮🇩 bawah tanah

🇺🇦 підземний

🇵🇱 podziemny

🇯🇵 地下

🇫🇷 souterrain

🇪🇸 subterráneo

🇹🇷 yeraltı

🇰🇷 지하

🇸🇦 تحت الأرض

🇨🇿 podzemní

🇸🇰 podzemný

🇨🇳 地下

🇸🇮 podzemni

🇮🇸 neðanjarðar

🇰🇿 жерасты

🇬🇪 მიწისქვეშა

🇦🇿 yeraltı

🇲🇽 subterráneo

Word origin

The term 'underground' originated in the 1590s to describe the secret activities or movements that operate below the surface or in secrecy. The use of 'underground' to refer to transport systems below ground level began in the early 19th century with the construction of the London Underground. Over time, the word has come to symbolize hidden, secret, or subterranean elements within various contexts.