Definition Definition

under - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'under' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Under [ a.]
- 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.
2 . Under [ adv.]
- 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.
3 . Under [ prep.]
- 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.

Meaning of 'under' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . under [ r]
Meaning (1):
- through a range downward
Example in sentence:
  • children six and under will be admitted free
Meaning (2):
- below some quantity or limit
Example in sentence:
  • fifty dollars or under
Meaning (3):
- down below
Example in sentence:
  • get under quickly!
Meaning (4):
- further down
Example in sentence:
  • see under for further discussion
Meaning (5):
- below the horizon
Example in sentence:
  • the sun went under
Meaning (6):
- down to defeat, death, or ruin
Example in sentence:
  • their competitors went under
Meaning (7):
- into unconsciousness
Example in sentence:
  • this will put the patient under
Meaning (8):
- in or into a state of subordination or subjugation
Example in sentence:
  • we must keep our disappointment under
9 . under [ s]
Meaning (9):
- lower in rank, power, or authority
Example in sentence:
  • an under secretary
Meaning (10):
- located below or beneath something else
Example in sentence:
  • nether garments;
  • the under parts of a machine