- be|neath
- be|neath «bih NEETH», adverb, preposition.–adv.1. in a lower place; below: »
As we flew over the mountains we could see that there were snowy peaks beneath.
3. lower in rank or power: »The officers heard grumbling in the ranks beneath.
4. later in a book or article: »See the explanation beneath.
–prep.1. to or in a lower place than; below; under; covered by: »His head kept slipping beneath the water. The dog sat beneath the tree.
SYNONYM(S): See syn. under under. (Cf. ↑under)2. immediately under: »The cellar runs beneath the rafters of the first floor.
3. at the foot of: »a house built beneath a tall cliff.
4. unworthy of; below the dignity of: »A traitor is so low that he is beneath contempt. I would consider it beneath me to sell an old family secret (Saul Bellow).
5. Figurative. lower than in rank, dignity, or office; inferior to; below: »beneath the angels. A sergeant is beneath a captain.
6. Figurative. under the weight, pressure, or influence of: »to sink beneath a burden of responsibility.
╂[Old English beneothan < be- be- + neothan below]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
