under
under
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "under" is /ˈʌn.dər/.
/ˈʌn/
/dər/
Word Form Variations
Preposition: under
Adverb: under
Adjective: under (used attributively, e.g., "under review," "under age")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Preposition
Definition 1: In a position directly below (something).
Synonyms: beneath, underneath, below, subordinate to
Antonyms: over, above, on top of, superior to
Definition 2: Covered or concealed by (something).
Synonyms: beneath, underneath, covered by, hidden by
Antonyms: uncovered, exposed, visible on, revealed by
Definition 3: Less than (a specified number, amount, or age).
Synonyms: less than, below, not exceeding, junior to
Antonyms: over, above, more than, exceeding, senior to
Definition 4: Subject to the authority, control, or supervision of.
Synonyms: subject to, subordinate to, governed by, controlled by, in the charge of
Antonyms: independent of, free from, exempt from, over
Definition 5: Experiencing or undergoing (a process or condition).
Synonyms: undergoing, in the process of, experiencing, in the midst of
Antonyms: completed, finished, past, beyond
Definition 6: According to the terms of (a rule, law, or agreement).
Synonyms: according to, in accordance with, by virtue of, as per
Antonyms: contrary to, in violation of, against
Adverb
Definition 1: In a position below something; beneath.
Synonyms: underneath, below, beneath
Antonyms: above, over, on top
Definition 2: Into a state of unconsciousness.
Example usage: "To go under (anesthesia)."
Synonyms: unconscious, sedated, insensible
Antonyms: awake, conscious, alert
Definition 3: So as to be submerged.
Example usage: "The submarine went under."
Synonyms: submerged, immersed, submerged
Antonyms: above water, surfaced
Adjective
Definition 1: Being in a lower position, status, or condition. (Used attributively or in compound forms)
Synonyms: lower, subordinate, inferior, lesser
Antonyms: upper, superior, higher, greater
Definition 2: Less than the required or standard amount/age. (Used attributively or in compound forms)
Synonyms: deficient, insufficient, underage, below standard
Antonyms: sufficient, ample, overage, above standard
Examples of Use
Books:
"He found the old diary hidden under a loose floorboard in the attic." (Fictional example from a mystery or historical novel)
"The book explores the challenges faced by children living under conditions of extreme poverty." (From a non-fiction book on sociology or humanitarian issues)
"To fully understand the theory, one must grasp the principles that lie underlying it." (From an academic textbook, using a related form "underlying")
Newspapers:
"The proposed legislation is currently under review by a parliamentary committee." (Daily Nation)
"Police launched an investigation after a vehicle was found under suspicious circumstances near Westlands." (The Standard)
"Businesses are operating under increased economic pressure due to high inflation rates." (Business Daily Africa)
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate guide to hiding cables under your desk for a clean and organized workspace." (An article on a home organization blog, e.g., Lifehack.org)
"The new privacy policy dictates how user data is collected and processed under GDPR regulations." (TechCrunch)
"Is your child underperforming in school? Expert tips for identifying and addressing learning gaps." (An article on a parenting or education website, e.g., Parents.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I've got a bad feeling about this." (Star Wars, 1977) - This implies a feeling of being "under" threat or pressure.
Television Series: "Our team operates under the strictest secrecy, leaving no trace behind." (Dialogue from a spy or military series, e.g., The Blacklist)
Song Lyrics: "When you're feeling sad and low, I will be your bridge over troubled water." (Simon & Garfunkel, "Bridge over Troubled Water," 1970) - This implicitly refers to providing support to someone "under" distress.
Video Games: "Your character must navigate the treacherous caves under the old castle to find the hidden artifact." (In-game objective or environment description, e.g., The Legend of Zelda)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the surprising history of the world's first submarine, which could truly travel underwater for extended periods." (A podcast on historical innovation, e.g., Stuff You Should Know)
General Public Discourse:
"The cat is hiding under the bed." (A common description of an animal's location)
"I'm feeling a bit under the weather today." (A common idiom for feeling slightly unwell)
"The proposal is under consideration by the committee." (A statement about a process)
"You can't drive if you're under the influence of alcohol." (A common legal warning)
"Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult."
10 Quotes Using Under
"There is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9, Biblical)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address, 1933) - This implies that fear itself is the primary thing one is "under."
"I'm feeling a bit under the weather." (Common idiom for feeling slightly unwell, widely known)
"We are all the same under the skin." (Common saying, emphasizing shared humanity)
"A man is not finished when he is defeated; he is finished when he quits." (Richard Nixon) - This relates to not giving up even when "under pressure."
"Truth often suffers more by the heat of its defenders than by the arguments of its opponents." (William Penn) - This speaks to truth being "under attack" by its own advocates.
"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." (John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 1961) - This suggests acting "under the banner" of national duty.
"My old car is still running great, it's just getting a little long in the tooth." (Lesser-known, but common observation) - This relates to a car being "under the hood" (its internal workings).
"Under the spreading chestnut tree the village smithy stands." (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The Village Blacksmith," 1840)
"The pen is mightier than the sword." (Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy, 1839) - This refers to the power of the written word, often created "under the lamp."
Etymology
The word "under" is a very old and fundamental word in the English language, with deep Germanic roots.
It comes from the Old English word under.
This Old English word already had meanings very similar to our modern "under": "below," "beneath," "among," or "subject to (authority)."
Under itself traces back to Proto-Germanic (under) and then to an even older Proto-Indo-European root (ndher- or n̥dʰér), which meant "below" or "down." This ancient root is why you'll find similar words for "under" in many other Indo-European languages (like Latin infra and Greek hypo).
The first known use of "under" in English, with its core meanings of indicating a lower position, being beneath something, or being subject to something, dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). Its fundamental role in describing spatial relationships and subordination has been consistent for well over a thousand years.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Under
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "under":
Under the weather: Feeling slightly ill.
Under the table: Secretly, especially involving illegal or dishonest activity.
Under the circumstances: Given the current situation.
Under the gun: Under intense pressure to complete a task or meet a deadline.
Under the wire: Just barely in time; at the last possible moment.
Under one's belt: Achieved or experienced.
Under wraps: Kept secret or hidden.
Under fire: Being criticized; being attacked.
Under arrest: Being held by the police or other authorities.
Under control: Being managed effectively; not out of hand.
Under lock and key: Securely locked away.
Under construction: In the process of being built.
Under the impression: Believing something, often mistakenly.
Under a cloud: Suspected of wrongdoing; in disgrace.
Under the hammer: Being auctioned.
Under separate cover: In a separate envelope or package.
Under no circumstances: Absolutely not; never.
To pull the rug out from under someone: To suddenly withdraw support from someone.
To get a leg up: To gain an advantage or assistance. (Can be seen as getting "under" an obstacle).
Behind the scenes: Out of public view. (Synonymous with "under cover").
Below standard: Not meeting expected quality. (Synonymous with "under par").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of under from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
