underneath

Universal Words preposition, adverb, noun preposition, adverb 1 under or below sth else, especially when it is hidden or covered by the thing on top: The coin rolled underneath the piano. * This jacket's too big, even with a sweater underneath. 2 used to talk about sb's real feelings or character, as opposed to the way they seem to be: Underneath her cool exterior she was really very frightened. * He seems bad-tempered, but he's very soft-hearted underneath. -< UNDER noun (the underneath) [sing.] the lower surface or part of sth: She pulled the drawer out and examined the underneath carefully. \