Underworld: meaning, definitions and examples

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underworld

[ˈʌndəwɜːld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime

The underworld refers to the criminal or illegal activities and organizations that operate outside of the law. It is often associated with organized crime, secret societies, and illegal activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering.

Synonyms

criminal network, criminal underworld, underbelly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
underworld	This term is generally used to describe the hidden, often illegal activities and people operating outside the law. It's broad and can cover various aspects such as crime, black market activities, and secret societies. It's often used in crime novels, movies, and journalism. The detective had been tracking the underworld activities for months. The film provides a glimpse into the underworld of the city.
criminal underworld	Similar to 'underworld,' but with a stronger focus on the criminal aspects. It evokes a sense of danger and illegality, often used in storytelling and journalism to describe deeply entrenched illegal activities involving serious crimes. He was drawn into the criminal underworld and couldn't find a way out. The book delves into the criminal underworld of the 1920s.
underbelly	This term refers to the hidden, often unpleasant or corrupt aspects of something, often a society or organization. It can be used both literally and metaphorically and usually has a negative connotation, implying vulnerability or moral decay. The article exposes the underbelly of the glamorous fashion industry. Every city has its underbelly, a side that tourists seldom see.
criminal network	This phrase is specifically used to highlight an organized group of criminals who work together to engage in illegal activities. It's appropriate in discussions about organized crime, police investigations, and legal contexts. It implies structure and coordination. The police uncovered a vast criminal network involved in drug trafficking. The documentary explores the criminal network operating in Eastern Europe.

Examples of usage

The police are constantly trying to dismantle the underworld networks in the city.
He was deeply involved in the underworld, conducting illegal activities for years.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mythology

In mythology, the underworld is a realm of the dead, where souls go after death. It is often depicted as a dark and gloomy place ruled by a god or goddess. In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld.

Synonyms

Realm of the dead, netherworld.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
underworld	This term is often used in literature, mythology, and to describe the criminal world. It can refer to a hidden, dangerous, and morally corrupt part of society. It has a slightly negative connotation. The novel explores the underworld of the city, revealing its dark secrets. The mafia is often referred to as the underworld of organized crime.
netherworld	Netherworld is typically used in the context of mythology or fantasy to describe a mysterious, often dark and eerie place that exists beneath the everyday world. It has a neutral to slightly ominous tone. The hero had to travel through the netherworld to rescue the captured souls. Legends spoke of a powerful sorcerer who ruled the netherworld.
Realm of the dead	This phrase is often used in mythology, religion, and spiritual discussions to describe the afterlife or a place where spirits reside after death. It has a more formal and serious tone. Ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaohs would enter the Realm of the dead and be judged by Osiris. Many cultures have myths about what happens in the Realm of the dead.

Word

Description / Examples

underworld

This term is often used in literature, mythology, and to describe the criminal world. It can refer to a hidden, dangerous, and morally corrupt part of society. It has a slightly negative connotation.

The novel explores the underworld of the city, revealing its dark secrets.
The mafia is often referred to as the underworld of organized crime.

netherworld

Netherworld is typically used in the context of mythology or fantasy to describe a mysterious, often dark and eerie place that exists beneath the everyday world. It has a neutral to slightly ominous tone.

The hero had to travel through the netherworld to rescue the captured souls.
Legends spoke of a powerful sorcerer who ruled the netherworld.

Realm of the dead

This phrase is often used in mythology, religion, and spiritual discussions to describe the afterlife or a place where spirits reside after death. It has a more formal and serious tone.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaohs would enter the Realm of the dead and be judged by Osiris.
Many cultures have myths about what happens in the Realm of the dead.

Examples of usage

In Greek mythology, heroes often journey to the underworld to seek advice or confront the dead.
The underworld is believed to be a place of judgment and punishment in many cultures.

Interesting Facts

Mythology

In ancient Greek mythology, the underworld was ruled by Hades, where souls went after death.
Many cultures believe in an underworld, such as the Mayan Xibalba and the Egyptian Duat, each with unique characteristics and deities.

Literature

The term is frequently used in literature to represent death or hidden truths, seen in works like Dante's 'Inferno'.
In modern fiction, many narratives explore the underworld as a dangerous or thrilling place, often involving supernatural elements.

Pop Culture

The 'Underworld' film series features vampires and werewolves, showcasing an ongoing battle between the two species in a hidden world.
Various video games, like 'Hades', adapt the concept of the underworld, allowing players to explore mythological themes.

Science

Geologically, the underworld can refer to the Earth's crust and mantle, where various minerals and precious resources are hidden.
Subterranean ecosystems exist below the surface, showcasing a hidden world rich in life forms that adapt to darkness.

Psychology

In psychology, 'underworld' can symbolize the unconscious mind, representing hidden fears and desires.
Exploring the 'underworld' in therapy can help individuals confront deep-seated issues or traumas.

Translations

Translations of the word "underworld" in other languages:

🇵🇹 submundo

🇮🇳 अधोलोक

🇩🇪 Unterwelt

🇮🇩 dunia bawah

🇺🇦 підземний світ

🇵🇱 podziemie

🇯🇵 地下世界 (ちかせかい)

🇫🇷 souterrain

🇪🇸 inframundo

🇹🇷 yeraltı dünyası

🇰🇷 지하 세계 (jihak segye)

🇸🇦 عالم سفلي

🇨🇿 podsvětí

🇸🇰 podsvetie

🇨🇳 地狱 (dìyù)

🇸🇮 podzemlje

🇮🇸 undirheimar

🇰🇿 жерасты әлемі

🇬🇪 ქვესკნელი

🇦🇿 alt dünya

🇲🇽 inframundo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,597, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16594 undercut
16595 truthfully
16596 theretofore
16597 underworld
16598 spa
16599 reelected
16600 beaming
...