under
un
ʌn
an
der
dər
dēr
British pronunciation
/ˈʌndə/

Definition & Meaning of "under"in English

01

in or to a position lower than and directly beneath something

under definition and meaning
example
Examples
She found her keys under a pile of papers on her desk.
1.1

beneath something that acts as a cover, layer, or shield

example
Examples
The letter was buried under a stack of old newspapers.
1.2

at a position physically lower than another space or structure

example
Examples
The kitchen is located directly under the master bedroom.
02

concealed beneath a visible appearance, exterior, or disguise

example
Examples
Under her cheerful smile, she was hiding sadness.
03

having a position subordinate to someone in a hierarchy

example
Examples
The sergeant is under the captain in the hierarchy.
04

less than a particular quantity, standard, or limit

example
Examples
Children under five eat for free.
05

being subject to the rule, authority, or governance of something or someone

example
Examples
The country is under the rule of a monarchy.
5.1

confirmed, issued, or made valid through the authority or signature of someone

example
Examples
The document was signed under the mayor's seal.
5.2

within the time span or during the leadership of a particular individual or government

example
Examples
The cathedral was built under King Henry VIII.
06

in conformity with or following a particular standard, rule, or guideline

example
Examples
The company operates under strict quality standards.
07

affected or strained by a force, influence, or condition

example
Examples
The bridge collapsed under the strain of heavy traffic.
08

placed in or categorized within a particular heading or classification

example
Examples
The book falls under the category of science fiction.
8.1

using a particular name, alias, or designation

example
Examples
He traveled under a false name.
8.2

(in computing) operating within the framework or system of a specified computer environment

example
Examples
The program runs under Windows 11.
09

being in the process of a particular action, treatment, or change

example
Examples
The material is currently under review.
9.1

existing within a particular condition or situation

example
Examples
They lived under constant fear.
10

cultivated with a particular crop or vegetation

example
Examples
The field is under wheat this season.
11

born during the astrological time associated with a specific zodiac sign

example
Examples
She was born under Leo.
12

moved or driven by a particular mode of propulsion

example
Examples
The ship sailed under steam.
under
01

at or to a position directly beneath or lower than something

under definition and meaning
example
Examples
The ball rolled under and disappeared from sight.
02

into a position where something is buried, hidden, or covered by something else

example
Examples
The car was buried under after the avalanche.
03

downward beyond the horizon or out of sight

example
Examples
As evening approached, the sun slipped under.
04

below the surface of water

example
Examples
The submarine dipped under and vanished from sight.
05

at or to a point less than a specified amount, standard, or limit

example
Examples
The discount applies to purchases of $ 50 or under.
06

into a state of being unaware or insensible, especially from anesthesia or exhaustion

example
Examples
He was quickly put under for the surgery.
07

into a state of being controlled, governed, or subordinate

example
Examples
The rebels were forced under by the advancing army.
08

into a state of collapse, destruction, or failure

example
Examples
Many small businesses went under during the recession.
01

located on or forming the bottom side or surface of something

under definition and meaning
example
Examples
The under side of the leaf had tiny white spots.
02

in a state of being rendered insensible or unconscious, especially by medical anesthesia

example
Examples
The patient was still under when the nurse checked his vitals.
03

being below the expected, required, or ideal level of a specific quality

InformalInformal
example
Examples
The soup was a little under and needed more seasoning.
04

holding a position that is subordinate to another in rank

example
Examples
He worked closely with the under manager on the project.
under-
01

used to indicate a position lower than or beneath something else

example
Examples
She packed her underclothes neatly into the suitcase.
1.1

used to denote a role that is secondary or subordinate to a higher position

example
Examples
Each department had an underofficer to assist with daily operations.
02

used to indicate something done to an inadequate or insufficient degree

example
Examples
The children at the shelter were severely undernourished.
Under
01

a shortage recorded when the actual amount is less than what is needed or counted

example
Examples
The cashier reported a small under at closing.
02

an instance of being under a required size, amount, or standard

InformalInformal
example
Examples
He caught only unders during the fishing trip.
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