Under

Pronunciation: /ˈʌndər/

Definitions of under

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. In this case, 'under' indicates location or position beneath something else.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat is under the table.

A2 The book is under the bed.

B1 The keys are under the mat.

B2 The painting is under the staircase.

C1 The treasure was hidden under the old oak tree.

C2 The secret compartment was under the floorboards.

Examples of under in a Sentence

formal The report is currently under review by the board of directors.

informal I left my umbrella under the table in the restaurant.

slang Let's go chill under the bridge this evening.

figurative She always seems calm on the outside, but there's a lot going on under the surface.

Grammatical Forms of under

• past tense: understood
• plural: unders
• comparative: more under
• superlative: most under
• present tense: under
• future tense: will under
• perfect tense: have undered
• continuous tense: is undering
• singular: under
• positive degree: under
• infinitive: to under
• gerund: undering
• participle: undered

Origin and Evolution of under

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'under' originated from the Old English word 'under', which has Germanic roots.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'under' has retained its basic meaning of being beneath or below something. It has also expanded to convey concepts of inferiority, subordination, or control.