Underworld: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.