beneath

adv

1. Below or underneath.

   “Of all the transitions brought about on the Earth’s surface by temperature change, the melting of ice into water is the starkest. It is binary. And for the land beneath, the air above and the life around, it changes everything.”

prep

1. Below.

   “Our country sinks beneath the yoke.”

   “1718, Alexander Pope, epitaph to Nicholas Rowe Beneath a rude and nameless stone he lies.”

   “Here, in the transept and choir, where the service was being held, one was conscious every moment of an increasing brightness; colours glowing vividly beneath the circular chandeliers, and the rows of small lights on the choristers' desks flashed and sparkled in front of the boys' faces, deep linen collars, and red neckbands.”

2. In a position that is lower in rank, dignity, etc.

   “Their despicable behaviour is beneath contempt.”

   “He will do nothing that is beneath his high station.”

3. Covered up or concealed by something.