Underside: meaning, definitions and examples

Underside is often used when describing the bottom part of something, especially surfaces that are not immediately visible or are underneath another layer.

• The underside of the table was covered in gum
• The mechanic inspected the underside of the car

Bottom is a very general term that can refer to the lowest part of something. It can be used in many contexts including containers, geographical features, or abstract concepts.

• He found a coin at the bottom of the pool
• They reached the bottom of the mountain

Undersurface is typically used to describe the bottom surface of an object, often in a more scientific or technical context.

• The undersurface of the aircraft wing must be inspected regularly
• Paint the undersurface of the shelf to make it look even

Lower side is used to describe one specific side of an object that is in a lower position compared to other parts. It is often used when giving detailed descriptions.

• The lower side of the bookshelf has a small scratch
• On the lower side of the hill, there are more trees

Used to describe the lower or bottom surface of an object or animal. It is often used in everyday language as well as in scientific descriptions.

• The rock was lifted to reveal the damp underside
• The boat's underside was covered in algae

A more casual and everyday term to describe the front part of the human or animal body below the chest. It can also be used to describe the stomach area.

• She laughed so hard she clutched her belly
• The dog rolled over to have its belly rubbed

Primarily used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to the part of the body containing the digestive organs. It can also be used more generally to describe the region of an animal's body.

• The patient complained of sharp pain in her abdomen
• Insects have their digestive system in the abdomen

Used mostly in scientific and biological contexts to describe the front or abdomen part of an animal. It's often used in contrast with the dorsal side.

• The ventral side of the frog is lighter in color
• Researchers examined the ventral side of the fish

Used to describe the bottom part or surface of an object. Commonly used in mechanical or anatomical contexts.

• The car's underside was covered in rust.
• The spider crawled along the underside of the leaf.

A petticoat is an old-fashioned term for a woman's undergarment worn under a skirt or dress to give it volume. It's often used in historical or vintage contexts.

• She wore a lace petticoat beneath her wedding gown.
• In the 19th century, petticoats were a common part of women's fashion.

A general term for any piece of clothing worn beneath outer clothes, typically to provide support or to keep outer clothes from being soiled.

• Choose comfortable undergarments for long trips.
• She bought a set of new undergarments for the wedding.

Underdress can be a verb that means to dress inappropriately casually for an occasion or environment. It can have negative connotations if one is not dressed as per the expectations of the situation. As a noun, it is rarely used directly.

• Don't underdress for the gala; it's a black-tie event.
• She felt she was underdressed for the formal dinner.