Underground
/ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
Definitions
4 meaningsExisting or situated below the surface of the earth.
/ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
Located or operating below the surface of the earth.
We explored the underground caverns.
💡 Simply: Think of a secret hideout under the earth! Like a hidden tunnel or a subway train that runs below the streets. It’s somewhere you can't see from above.
👶 For kids: Happening under the ground, like a tunnel or a secret hideout.
More Examples
The city's subway system is an underground network.
The underground water supply is essential for the community.
How It's Used
"The underground river flowed through a network of caves."
"The underground train system is a quick way to get around the city."
Secret or clandestine, often in opposition to official authorities or accepted practices.
/ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
Secret or clandestine; operating outside of the law or official approval.
The underground newspaper exposed government corruption.
💡 Simply: It's like a secret club or group that does things without telling the 'grown-ups'. Think of a group of people secretly meeting to share art, music, or even to protest something.
👶 For kids: Secret and hidden, like a secret club or a hidden meeting.
More Examples
The underground network smuggled refugees across the border.
He joined an underground art collective.
How It's Used
"The underground resistance fought against the occupying forces."
"The underground music scene showcased alternative artists."
A railway system that runs below the surface of the ground.
/ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
A system of trains that travel beneath the ground.
She took the underground to get to work.
💡 Simply: It's like a subway system! It is the trains that go under the ground. It helps a lot in big cities to transport people fast.
👶 For kids: A train that goes under the ground.
More Examples
The London Underground is one of the oldest subway systems in the world.
The tourist used the underground to avoid the traffic.
How It's Used
"The underground is a convenient way to commute during rush hour."
A secret organization, especially one that is engaged in political resistance.
/ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
A group of people working secretly to oppose a government or regime.
The underground helped smuggle refugees to safety.
💡 Simply: It's like a secret team working quietly to fight a government or a problem.
👶 For kids: A secret group of people helping other people.
More Examples
The underground network spread information about the regime.
The underground played a vital role in the resistance movement.
How It's Used
"The underground provided support to the dissidents."
Synonyms
Buried
Subterranean
Clandestine
Covert
Hidden
Secret
Metro
Subway
Network
Resistance
Idioms & expressions
go underground
To become hidden or secret, especially to avoid detection.
"After the scandal broke, the politician went underground to avoid the media."
From Middle English *under grounde* (beneath the ground).
The term 'underground' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to things located below the surface of the earth. Its figurative use, referring to secret or clandestine activities, emerged later in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a secret tunnel beneath your feet.