underground Meaning & Definition
What Does Underground Mean?
Underground is used as an adjective meaning Below the ground; below the surface of the Earth. It is also used to mean Hidden, furtive, secretive. As an adverb, it means Below the ground. As a noun, it means The regions beneath the surface of the earth, both natural (eg. caves) and man-made (eg. mines).
Quick Facts About Underground
| Part of speech | adjective, adverb, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˌʌn.dəˈɡɹaʊnd/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | surreptitious, clandestine and partisan |
| Antonyms | mainstream |
| Plural | undergrounds |
| Comparative / superlative | more underground, most underground |
| Verb forms | undergrounds, undergrounding, undergrounded |
Underground Definition (Adjective)
- Below the ground; below the surface of the Earth.
There is an underground tunnel that takes you across the river.
- Hidden, furtive, secretive.
These criminals operate through an underground network.
- Of or relating to an art forms (such as music) or subculture that is outside the mainstream, especially one that is unofficial and hidden from the authorities.
underground music
Underground as an Adverb
- Below the ground.
The tunnel goes underground at this point.
- Secretly.
Underground as a Noun
- The regions beneath the surface of the earth, both natural (eg. caves) and man-made (eg. mines).
- Synonym of subway: a railway that is under the ground.
London Underground
- A movement or organization of people who resist political convention.
the French underground during World War II
- A movement or organization of people who resist artistic convention.
Underground as a Verb
- To route electricity distribution cables underground.
Verb
- simple past and past participle of undergrind
Noun
- An underground railway, especially for mass transit of people in urban areas.
- A train that runs on such an underground railway.
- A rapid transit system, regardless of the elevation of its right of way.
- An underground walkway, tunnel for pedestrians (called pedestrian underpass in US).
- An underground route for pipes, sewers, etc.
Noun
- Regions beneath the surface of the earth, both natural (eg. caves) and man-made (eg. mines).
- (with definite article) A movement or organisation of people who resist political convention.
the French underground during World War II
- (with definite article) A movement or organisation of people who resist artistic convention.
Adjective
- Outside the mainstream, especially unofficial and hidden from the authorities.
underground music
Synonyms of Underground
Antonyms of Underground
Underground in a Sentence
There is an underground tunnel that takes you across the river.
These criminals operate through an underground network.
underground music
The tunnel goes underground at this point.
London Underground
the French underground during World War II
Word Forms & Grammar
underground (comparative more underground, superlative most underground)
underground (plural undergrounds)
underground (third-person singular simple present undergrounds, present participle undergrounding, simple past and past participle undergrounded)
underground
Words That Rhyme With Underground
Origin of Underground
Origin 1: From Middle English undergrounde (adverb), equivalent to under + ground or under- + ground. Compare Dutch ondergrond, ondergronds, German Untergrund, Danish undergrunds.
Origin 2: See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
How to Pronounce Underground
Underground is pronounced /ˌʌn.dəˈɡɹaʊnd/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the third syllable (ɡɹaʊnd).
Frequently Asked Questions About Underground
Is underground an adjective or an adverb?
Underground is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb, a noun and a verb.
What is another word for underground?
You can replace underground with words such as surreptitious, clandestine and partisan. See the full list of underground synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of underground?
The opposite of underground is mainstream.
What is the plural of underground?
The plural of underground is undergrounds.
What is the past tense of underground?
The past tense of underground is undergrounded. The present participle is undergrounding.