Language Research

under · preposition

/ˈʌn.dər/Full view

under (LOWER POSITION)

A1 below something, or below the surface of something

Dictionary examples:

He hid under the bed.

They were standing under a tree.

She was holding a file under her arm.

She pushed her bag under the table.

He could only keep his head under the water for a few seconds.

Learner example:

I like my bedroom, because there [is] a table under the window, [and] some pictures on the wall. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Arabic)

under (LESS THAN)

A2 less than a number, amount, or age

Dictionary examples:

All items cost/are under a dollar.

You can buy the whole set of DVDs for just under $50.

The discount applies only to children under (the age of) ten.

Under-5s get in free.

If you get under 50%, you've failed the exam.

Learner example:

I saw an advertisement in front of my house: the coffee bar is looking for some waiters aged under 23 years old. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

under (IN A PARTICULAR STATE)

B2 in a particular state or condition

Dictionary examples:

The President is under pressure to resign.

Under no circumstances should the festival become too specialized.

Learner example:

I am used to working under pressure. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

under attack/control/investigation, etc.

B2 being affected by something at this time

Dictionary examples:

The base is once again under attack.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

A new 40-story building is under construction.

Several different plans are under discussion.

We are working hard to get the situation under control.

Learner example:

Everything was under control, the remote detonator had worked perfectly well. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

be under the impression

B2 to think or understand a particular stated thing

Dictionary examples:

I was under the impression (that) you didn't get along very well.

He was under the mistaken impression (that) you were married.

Learner example:

I am under the impression that people generally exercise a little, but if they eat the wrong food every day, it won't help. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

under your breath

C2 If you say something under your breath, you say it very quietly so that other people cannot clearly hear it.

Dictionary example:

"It's time to go," she muttered under her breath.

Learner example:

"We must have taken a wrong turn somewhere..." he kept muttering under his breath. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

under your nose

C2 If something bad happens under your nose, it happens close to you but you do not notice it.

Dictionary example:

They were stealing money from under my nose.

Learner example:

You will be surprised that there was something right under your nose that you could not live without. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Korean)

be under way

C2 to be already happening

Dictionary example:

Building work is already under way.

Learner example:

Sociologists are well-aware of the fact and experiments are under way to counterbalance these disadvantages. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)