Beneath vs. Under — What's the Difference?

Indicates depth and hiddenness.

Covered or protected by something above.

Lower in rank or importance.

In a lower position, without specificity.

Directly or intimately underneath.

Indicates being in a phase or condition.

Used metaphorically for underlying concepts.

Used in expressions of measurement or classification.

Suggests protection or concealment.

Subject to authority or control.

In a lower place; below.

In a lower position or place than

Underneath.

To or into a lower position or place than

Lower than; below

Beneath the surface of

To or into a lower position than

Beneath the assumed surface or guise of

Covered or concealed by

Less than; smaller than

Under the force, control, or influence of.

Less than the required amount or degree of

Lower than, as in rank or station.

Inferior to in status or rank

Unworthy of; unbefitting

Subject to the authority, rule, or control of

Below or underneath.

Subject to the supervision, instruction, or influence of

Below.

Undergoing or receiving the effects of

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

Subject to the restraint or obligation of

Covered up or concealed by something.

Within the group or classification of

Lower in place, with something directly over or on; under; underneath; hence, at the foot of.

In the process of

Under, in relation to something that is superior, or that oppresses or burdens.

In view of; because of

Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings. Hence: Unworthy of; unbecoming.

With the authorization of

In a lower place; underneath.

Sowed or planted with

Below, as opposed to heaven, or to any superior region or position; as, in earth beneath.

(Nautical) Powered or propelled by

In or to a place that is lower

During the time conventionally assigned to (a sign of the zodiac)

In or into a place below or beneath

So as to be covered or enveloped

So as to be less than the required amount or degree

So as to be rendered unconscious, as by an anesthetic

In or into a condition of ruin or death

Located or situated on a lower level or beneath something else

Lower in rank, power, or authority; subordinate.

Less than is required or customary

At the bottom of or in the area covered or surmounted by.

Below the surface of.

From one side of to the other, passing beneath.

Less than.

Subordinate to; subject to the control of; in accordance with; in compliance with.

Within the category, classification or heading of.

(figuratively) In the face of; in response to (some attacking force).

Using or adopting (a name, identity, etc.).

In or to a lower or subordinate position, or a position beneath or below something, physically or figuratively.

So as to pass beneath something.

(usually in compounds) Insufficiently.

(informal) In or into an unconscious state.

Lower; beneath something.

In a state of subordination, submission or defeat.

Under anesthesia, especially general anesthesia; sedated.

(informal) Insufficient or lacking in a particular respect.

The amount by which an actual total is less than the expected or required amount.

Below or lower, in place or position, with the idea of being covered; lower than; beneath; - opposed to over; as, he stood under a tree; the carriage is under cover; a cellar extends under the whole house.

Denoting relation to some thing or person that is superior, weighs upon, oppresses, bows down, governs, directs, influences powerfully, or the like, in a relation of subjection, subordination, obligation, liability, or the like; as, to travel under a heavy load; to live under extreme oppression; to have fortitude under the evils of life; to have patience under pain, or under misfortunes; to behave like a Christian under reproaches and injuries; under the pains and penalties of the law; the condition under which one enters upon an office; under the necessity of obeying the laws; under vows of chastity.

Denoting relation to something that exceeds in rank or degree, in number, size, weight, age, or the like; in a relation of the less to the greater, of inferiority, or of falling short.

Denoting relation to something that comprehends or includes, that represents or designates, that furnishes a cover, pretext, pretense, or the like; as, he betrayed him under the guise of friendship; Morpheus is represented under the figure of a boy asleep.

Less specifically, denoting the relation of being subject, of undergoing regard, treatment, or the like; as, a bill under discussion.

In a lower, subject, or subordinate condition; in subjection; - used chiefly in a few idiomatic phrases; as, to bring under, to reduce to subjection; to subdue; to keep under, to keep in subjection; to control; to go under, to be unsuccessful; to fail; to go bankrupt.

Lower in position, intensity, rank, or degree; subject; subordinate; - generally in composition with a noun, and written with or without the hyphen; as, an undercurrent; undertone; underdose; under-garment; underofficer; undersheriff.

Located below or beneath something else;

Lower in rank, power, or authority;

Down to defeat, death, or ruin;

Through a range downward;

Into unconsciousness;

In or into a state of subordination or subjugation;

Below some quantity or limit;

Below the horizon;

Down below;

Further down;

Use "beneath" when emphasizing directness, depth, or a metaphorical layer, especially in formal or literary contexts.

"Under" can be used in formal writing, but its application is broader and less nuanced compared to "beneath".

While often interchangeable in spatial contexts, "beneath" may carry additional nuances or implications of depth that "under" does not.

"Under" is more versatile and broadly used in various contexts, from physical to metaphorical.

"Beneath" often implies a condition of being lower in rank or quality, whereas "under" can denote subjection or being in a specific state.

"Beneath" refers to being directly or intimately underneath something, often with a sense of depth or hiddenness.

"Under" indicates a lower position relative to something else, often used more generally than "beneath".

"Beneath" can imply secrecy or something hidden, especially in literary or nuanced discussions.

Yes, "beneath" is frequently used to suggest underlying emotions, qualities, or conditions beyond the literal.

"Beneath" suggests a closer or more intimate positioning, while "under" is less specific about proximity.

Yes, "under" is commonly used to indicate categories or thresholds, such as age or height limits.

In literature, "beneath" might be chosen for its depth and nuance, while "under" is used for its clarity and versatility.

"Beneath" can imply lower status or worth, and "under" often relates to being subject to authority or control.

Both can express subordination, but "under" is more directly associated with hierarchical or authoritative relationships.

"Under" is typically preferred in technical descriptions for its straightforwardness.