beneath
adverbbeneath 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
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.
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