adv.
Function: preposition
Date: before 12th century
1 a : in or to a lower position than : BELOW < beneath the surface> b : directly under <the ground beneath her feet> c : at the foot of <a camp beneath a hill>
2 : not suitable to the rank of : unworthy of < beneath his dignity>
3 : under the control, pressure, or influence of <the chair sagged beneath his weight>
4 : concealed by : under the guise of <a warm heart beneath a gruff manner>