beneath

adverb

beneath definition & meaning

  • in or to a place that is lower

Examples of beneath in a sentence

As a preposition

  • The cat hid beneath the table
  • She found her keys beneath the couch cushions
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Synonyms for beneath

  • under
  • below
  • underneath
  • underfoot
  • underneath

Rhymes with beneath

  • beneath
  • bequeath
  • hadith
  • heath
  • sheath
  • teeth
  • underneath
  • wreath

Related words to beneath

underneath

below

under

subterranean

submerged

inferior

subjacent

lower

hidden

concealed

Word history

Etymology

The word "beneath" originates from Middle English "benethe," which itself evolved from Old English "beneoðan." This Old English term is a combination of the prefix "be-" meaning "by" or "near" and "neoðan," meaning "below" or "under." The root "neoðan" is derived from the Proto-Germanic "niþar," which also means "down" or "below." This Proto-Germanic term is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "ni," signifying "down" or "under." Cognates of "beneath" can be found in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "niðr," meaning "down," and Gothic "niþar," also meaning "downward." The evolution of "beneath" reflects a common linguistic pattern in Germanic languages, where spatial prepositions often derive from compound forms combining directional prefixes with base terms indicating position. Over time, "beneath" has maintained its core meaning related to position or location below something else, with its usage in English remaining relatively stable from its Old English origins through to contemporary usage.

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How many points is beneath worth in Scrabble?

Total points

12

Per letter points

B3E1N1E1A1T1H4

Dictionary check

  • Offcl. Scrabble Pl. Dict. & Offcl Scrabble WordsYES
  • Collins Scrabble Words 2021YES
  • NASPA Word List 2020YES
  • Tournament Word List 2006YES
  • Words with Friends 2000YES
  • Words with Friends 1997 (Retired)YES

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