beneath
UK: bɪˈniːθ | US: bɪˈniːθ
prep. in or to a lower position than; under
prep. hidden or covered by something
prep. of lower status or worth than
The word "beneath" originates from Old English bineoþan, combining bi- (meaning "by" or "near") and neoþan (meaning "below"). The morpheme neath survives in modern English as the archaic or poetic term "neath," a shortened form of "underneath." Over time, beneath evolved to emphasize spatial or hierarchical inferiority, retaining its core logic of "lower than" or "covered by."
The cat slept beneath the warm blanket.
Her name was written beneath the title on the document.
He felt unworthy, as if he existed beneath her notice.
The ancient ruins lie buried beneath layers of sediment.
She hid the letter beneath a pile of books.