Under
/ˈʌndər/
Definitions
4 meaningsSituated or extending downward or beneath something else; lower in place or position.
/ˈʌndər/
In or to a position below or beneath something else.
The keys are under the newspaper.
💡 Simply: Imagine a blanket. If something is *under* the blanket, it's covered by it. Like, the toys are under the bed!
👶 For kids: Being on the bottom or covered by something. Like when you're hiding under the covers!
More Examples
The river flows under the bridge.
She buried the treasure under a big oak tree.
The dog sat under the shade of a tree.
How It's Used
"The cat is sleeping under the table."
"The pipes run under the floorboards."
In or to a position beneath something; lower in place or degree.
/ˈʌndər/
In or to a position below something else.
The boat went under during the storm.
💡 Simply: When you're keeping something hidden or lower in amount. Like, if you keep a secret, you keep it 'under'.
👶 For kids: Being below or hidden. Like hiding under the table.
More Examples
They kept the issue under wraps for a long time.
The costs are under budget.
He kept his emotions under control.
How It's Used
"The team went under in the final game."
"He keeps his feelings under."
Located or positioned below; less than in amount, value, or degree.
/ˈʌndər/
Lower in status or position.
The building is under construction.
💡 Simply: If you're 'under' a certain amount, you have less than that. Like, if you're under the age of 18, you can't vote.
👶 For kids: Being not as much. Like, if you're under the age of ten, you're younger than ten.
More Examples
The food is undercooked.
He's under pressure to finish the project.
The agreement is under review.
How It's Used
"The defendant is under age."
"The company is currently under new management."
(Used in legal and formal contexts) Subject to a particular state or condition.
/ˈʌndər/
To be subject to something.
The ship is under repair.
💡 Simply: When something is *under* something else, it means that something is controlling or overseeing it. For instance, a project is under budget if the spending is below the planned amount.
👶 For kids: Being watched or controlled by something. Like a puppy under the supervision of a grown up.
More Examples
The car is under warranty.
The company is under investigation.
The project is under development.
How It's Used
"The suspect is under arrest."
"The agreement is under negotiation."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the weather
Slightly unwell or feeling ill.
"I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I'll stay home."
under consideration
Being thought about or discussed, but no decision has been made.
"The proposal is still under consideration."
under fire
being attacked or criticized.
"The company is under fire for its environmental practices."
From Old English *under* 'beneath, below', related to German *unter* and Latin *infra*.
The word 'under' has been used in English since the Old English period, originally to indicate position.
Memory tip
Think of a physical space 'below' something.