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| Language: | Old English |
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un‧der S1 W1
1 below or at a lower level than something, or covered by something [≠ over]: 
Wendy had hidden the box under her bed.We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. Write your name under your picture. I could see something glittering under the water. He was wearing a jacket under his coat. Under her arm, she carried a large portfolio. In summer, we often slept under the stars. I'd scare my mom by diving in and staying under (=staying under the water) for as long as I could.
below
Wendy had hidden the box under her bed.We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge.Write your name under your picture.I could see something glittering under the water.He was wearing a jacket under his coat.Under her arm, she carried a large portfolio.In summer, we often slept under the stars.I'd scare my mom by diving in and staying under (=staying under the water) for as long as I could.2 less than a particular number, amount, age, or price [≠ over]: These toys are not suitable for children under five. Most of the events listed cost under £60.
less than
These toys are not suitable for children under five.Most of the events listed cost under £60. be under age (=be too young to legally drink, have sex etc)
3 used to say what is being done to something or how it is being dealt with Four new power stations are currently under construction. The port was coming under attack from enemy warships.
having something done to it
under discussion/consideration/review etc The possibility of employing more staff is still under discussion (=being discussed, considered etc). All categories of expenditure are under review.
The possibility of employing more staff is still under discussion (=being discussed, considered etc).All categories of expenditure are under review.Four new power stations are currently under construction.The port was coming under attack from enemy warships.4 affected by a particular condition, influence, or situation : The operation was carried out while she was under general anaesthetic. The doctor injected something into my arm and I immediately felt myself going under (=becoming unconscious).
affected by something
under the influence of alcohol/drink/drugs etc He was accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
He was accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol.The operation was carried out while she was under general anaesthetic.The doctor injected something into my arm and I immediately felt myself going under (=becoming unconscious).5 if something happens under particular conditions, it happens when those conditions exist : I wish I'd met him under different circumstances. The system operates well under normal conditions.
under ... conditions/circumstances
I wish I'd met him under different circumstances.The system operates well under normal conditions.6 according to a particular agreement, law etc : the question of whether the trade is illegal under international law Under the terms of the agreement, the debt will be repaid over a 20-year period.
law/agreement
the question of whether the trade is illegal under international lawUnder the terms of the agreement, the debt will be repaid over a 20-year period.7 if something happens under a particular leader, government etc, it happens when they are in power : a program initiated under President Clinton and continued under President Bush Under her leadership, the magazine's circulation doubled in less than a year. Would it have been different under a Labour government?
in power
a program initiated under President Clinton and continued under President BushUnder her leadership, the magazine's circulation doubled in less than a year.Would it have been different under a Labour government?8 if you work under someone, they have a higher position in the company, organization etc than you, and they help to direct your work : She had a total staff of 10 working under her. From 1847 to 1851 he served under Captain John Randolph Stokes. At Cambridge he studied under (=was a student of) F.R. Leavis.
position at work
She had a total staff of 10 working under her.From 1847 to 1851 he served under Captain John Randolph Stokes.At Cambridge he studied under (=was a student of) F.R. Leavis.9 used to say in which part of a book, list, or system particular information can be found
where information is
10 if you write or do something under a particular name, you do it using that name instead of your real name :
different name
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
under, underneath, below, beneathUnder is the usual way to say that one thing is at a lower level than another, or is covered by it • Your shoes are under the table. • He lay under a blanket.Under is nearly always used as a preposition (followed by a noun).Underneath has a similar meaning to under, and is used especially when something is hidden or covered • a box underneath the floorboards It can also be used as an adverb • She lifted the cover and peeped underneath.Below is used when one thing is at a much lower level than another, and can be a preposition or an adverb • the apartment below ours • Mist lay in the valley below.Beneath can be used in the same ways as under and below, but is a more literary or formal word • beneath the silvery moon • the cliff, and the ocean beneath
WORD CHOICE: under, underneath, below, beneathUnder is the usual way to say that one thing is at a lower level than another, or is covered by it • Your shoes are under the table. • He lay under a blanket.Under is nearly always used as a preposition (followed by a noun).Underneath has a similar meaning to under, and is used especially when something is hidden or covered • a box underneath the floorboards It can also be used as an adverb • She lifted the cover and peeped underneath.Below is used when one thing is at a much lower level than another, and can be a preposition or an adverb • the apartment below ours • Mist lay in the valley below.Beneath can be used in the same ways as under and below, but is a more literary or formal word • beneath the silvery moon • the cliff, and the ocean beneath
