beneath

1 of 2

adverb

be·​neath bi-ˈnēth 

bē-

1

: in or to a lower position : below

the mountains and the towns beneath

2

: directly under : underneath

Look at the illustration and read what is beneath.

beneath

2 of 2

preposition

1

a

: in or to a lower position than : below

beneath the surface

b

: directly under

the ground beneath her feet

c

: at the foot of

a camp beneath a hill

2

: not suitable to the rank of : unworthy of

a job that is beneath his dignity

3

: under the control, pressure, or influence of

the chair sagged beneath his weight

4

: concealed by : under the guise of

a warm heart beneath a gruff manner

Synonyms

Adverb

• below
• under
• underneath

Preposition

• below
• neath [dialect]
• under

Examples of beneath in a Sentence

Adverb

the mountains and the towns beneath

the sky above and the earth beneath

an awning with chairs and tables beneath

The ground beneath is covered with flowers.

Preposition

the sky above us and the earth beneath us

just beneath the surface of the water

The painting is hanging on the wall with a plaque beneath it.

We had a picnic beneath a large tree.

The paper was hidden beneath a pile of books.

She wore a sweater beneath her coat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

This sensor has the ability to see through the dense smoke of an active fire to the ground beneath, as well as locating the flame front and hot spots in the fire, according to Maxar. Can't see our graphics? —Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

This special water feature showcases natural skylights that illuminate hot and cold foot baths beneath. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Preposition

Taking a break from their alter egos as vigilante Daredevil and crime lord Kingpin, these two seem to be chatting rather amiably — but there’s a bloody history lurking beneath their words. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 15 Jan. 2025

An underground aquifer three times the capacity of Nevada's Lake Mead was recently discovered beneath the central Oregon Cascades. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb and Preposition

Middle English benethe, from Old English beneothan, from be- + neothan below; akin to Old English nithera nether — more at nether

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing beneath

• beneath contempt
• beneath one's dignity
• from beneath

Kids Definition

beneath

1 of 2 adverb

be·​neath bi-ˈnēth 

: in or to a lower position : below

beneath

2 of 2 preposition

1

a

: lower than : below

b

: directly under

2

: not worthy of

work beneath your dignity