under

The word "under" is used when something is below another thing or another person.

• Your feet are under the table when you sit down to eat.
• A student’s feet are under the desk when studying in a classroom.
• Bob is wearing a shirt under his jacket.
• Some apples fell under the tree.
• Walter looked under his car to find out what was making noise.
• Some people keep money under their mattress.
• People who live in the United States live under the U.S. Constitution. There is no higher law than that.

This word is often used to describe relationships at work. A worker who is under someone else receives direction from that person.

• Who do you work under?
• Charles works under Theresa, his boss.
• Yolanda doesn’t like working under people who are much younger than she is.

Use the word "under" to form new words:

• An undergraduate is a person who is working towards a bachelor’s degree.
• An understudy takes the place of a performer who is unable to perform.
• Something below ground level is underground.
• Fish live underwater.
• You wear an undershirt under your shirt.

There are a few expressions and phrases that use the word "under."

• I’m feeling a little under the weather. (I feel a little sick.)
• The team that won the game was an underdog. (underdog = a team or individual not expected to perform well against another.)
• Sam took his younger brother under his wing and taught him the family business. (under one’s wing = to be protected, instructed, or closely watched.)
• A suspected criminal is under arrest by a police officer.
• If something is under consideration, the possibility of it is being discussed or proposed.

This apartment building is under construction.

For more examples of this word, click here.

Click here to go to the Word of the Day page.

September 21, 2015