How to pronounce underneath
Say it like uhn-der-NEETH. Underneath has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEETH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underneath. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- der
- NEETH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underneath pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- NEETHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of underneath
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-duh-NEETH.
What does underneath mean?
- on the lower or downward side; on the underside of“a chest of drawers all scratched underneath”
- under or below an object or a surface; at a lower place or level; directly beneath“we could see the original painting underneath”“a house with a good foundation underneath”
Where does underneath come from?
From Middle English undernethe, undernethen, from Old English underneoþan (“underneath”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *underniþer.
Words that rhyme with underneath
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of underneath.
Questions about saying underneath
How do you pronounce underneath?
Say uhn-der-NEETH. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌndɚˈniθ/. In British English it is /ˌʌndəˈniːθ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underneath?
Underneath has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEETH). Broken into parts: uhn · der · NEETH.
Is underneath pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌʌndəˈniːθ/ (uhn-duh-NEETH).