What is under? Pronunciation and usage in English

under means . Learn how to pronounce and use under through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of under

underpreposition

/ˈʌndə/
Definition & pronunciation of under

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "under" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • "uh": This is a short, unstressed "uh" sound – like the "uh" in "about" or "up". It's crucial to get this right.
  • "nd": This is a single, clear "nd" sound.
  • "er": This is a short "er" sound, as in "her" or "letter".

2. Putting it Together - the most common pronunciation:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

** /ˈʌndər/ (uhn-der)**

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • "uhn": Say the short "uh" sound (like in "but").
  • "der": Say the short "er" sound (like in "her").

3. A Slightly More Traditional (but less common now) Pronunciation:

You might also hear it pronounced as:

** /ˈʌndər/ (uhn-der)** - This is pretty much the same as above and is now the most accepted.

4. What NOT to do:

  • Don't pronounce it "uh-n-der": This is a very common mistake. It’s important to link the sounds together smoothly.
  • Don’t overemphasize the “er”: The "er" sound should be subtle and connected to the "uh" sound.

Tips for Practicing:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for "how to pronounce under" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary. Pay close attention to how they link the sounds.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "under" and compare it to native speakers.
  • Slow it down: Start by saying it slowly, focusing on each sound. Then gradually increase your speed.

Resources for Listening:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Your native language can influence how you pronounce English words.)

Usage and examples with the word under in English

Let's break down how to use the word "under" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different nuances! Here's a breakdown categorized by its common uses:

1. Position & Location:

  • Beneath: This is the most basic meaning – something is physically below something else.

    • Example: "The cat is under the table."
    • Example: "The water is under the ice."

  • Within: Something is contained inside something else.

    • Example: "The documents are kept under lock and key." (meaning inside a safe)
    • Example: "The children were playing under the tree." (meaning they were sheltering beneath it)

  • Lower than: Indicates a lower level or elevation.

    • Example: "The river flows under the bridge."
    • Example: “The shops are located under the railway.”

2. Time & Duration:

  • During: Happening while something else is happening.

    • Example: "We’ll meet under the new schedule."
    • Example: "I’ll call you under the evening." (meaning during the evening)

  • Before/After: Used to express timing

    • Example: "The meeting will start under 9am.” (meaning before 9am)
    • Example: "We'll discuss it under the deadline.” ( meaning after the deadline)

  • Within a period of time: Similar to "during", but emphasizing a shorter timeframe.

    • Example: "The project will be completed under two weeks.”

3. Conditions & States:

  • Subject to: Dependent on something.

    • Example: "The contract is under review.” (meaning it's being examined)
    • Example: “The new rules are under consideration.”

  • Suffering from: Experiencing a problem or ailment.

    • Example: “He's under the weather.” (meaning he's feeling ill)
    • Example: "The company is under financial strain.” (meaning it's facing financial difficulties)

  • Controlled by: Controlled, governed, or regulated.

    • Example: “The city is under martial law.” (meaning it’s under military control)

4. Figurative & Idiomatic Uses:

  • Underestimate: To regard something as less important or valuable than it is.

    • Example: "Don't underestimate the challenge!"

  • Undergo: To experience something, typically an unpleasant or difficult event.

    • Example: "She is undergoing treatment.”

  • Underneath: Often used interchangeably with "under" (especially for position), but sometimes implies a more subtle or hidden location.

    • Example: "There's a secret passage underneath the floor."

  • Under (a certain condition):

    • Example: “The offer is under certain conditions.” (meaning it depends on certain factors)

Here's a table summarizing the main categories:

Category Meaning Example
Location Beneath, within Under the table
Time During, before, after Under the deadline
Conditions Subject to, suffering from Under review, under the weather
Figurative Underrate, undergo Underestimate, undergo treatment

Tips for Using "Under":

  • Consider the context: The meaning of "under" depends heavily on the surrounding words.
  • Pay attention to prepositions: “Under” is often followed by other prepositions (e.g., under the influence, under a rule).
  • Don't confuse it with "underneath": While often interchangeable, “underneath” can sometimes suggest a more hidden or secretive location.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you struggling with a specific sentence or situation where you’re trying to use “under”?
  • Is there a particular aspect of “under” that you'd like me to explain in more detail (e.g., its use in time, its figurative meanings)?

Synonyms for the word under

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