beneath

/bɪˈniːθ/

under or below something

The treasure was buried beneath the old oak tree.

The treasure was hidden under the old oak tree.

general

in or to a lower position than something else

She hid the key beneath the doormat.

She placed the key under the doormat for safety.

The city lies beneath the mountain.

The city is located at a lower elevation than the mountain.

Often used to describe physical position or location.

figurative

inferior to in rank, status, or importance

He felt beneath her notice.

He believed he was not worthy of her attention.

Such behavior is beneath a professional.

Such behavior is unworthy of a professional.

Used to express that something is unworthy or beneath one's dignity.

Collocations

beneath the surfacehidden or not immediately obviousbeneath one's dignityunworthy of one's status or respect

not noticed or detected

unfair or cruel

Remember that 'beneath' can describe physical position or figurative status. Context will help you determine which meaning is intended.

'Beneath' is a preposition and is always followed by a noun or pronoun. It is not used as a verb.

From Middle English 'beneathe', from Old English 'beneoþan', from 'be-' (by) + 'neoþan' (down). Related to 'nether' and 'netherworld'.

Can be used both literally (physical position) and figuratively (status or worthiness). The figurative sense is often used in negative constructions.

bene-

by or near

prefix

-neath

down or below

suffix

English Dictionary