subterranean

Language: en

🇺🇸 /səbtɜrˈeɪniːən/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.; Hidden, secret, or concealed from view; not openly acknowledged.; Of or relating to the underworld or the realm of the dead.
  2. noun
    A person or thing that lives or exists underground.; An underground passage, chamber, or space.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: subterraneans Comparative: more subterranean Superlative: most subterranean

Collocations

subterranean worldsubterranean riversubterranean passagesubterranean cavesubterranean watersubterranean tunnel

Derivatives

subterraneouslysubterraneous

Synonyms

undergroundbelowgroundburiedhiddenconcealedsubsurface

Antonyms

abovegroundsurfaceoverground

Commonly confused

subterraneous
EN: 'Subterraneous' is a less common variant adjective with the same meaning; 'subterranean' is the standard and far more frequent form.
subterrestrial
EN: 'Subterrestrial' is a rare synonym meaning the same thing; 'subterranean' is the preferred and widely recognized term.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the double 'r' in 'subterranean' (from Latin 'sub' + 'terra'); a common error is writing 'subteranean' with only one 'r'.

💬 Examples

  1. The explorers discovered a vast subterranean cave system beneath the mountain.

  2. The journalist uncovered the subterranean network of corruption within the government.

  3. In Greek mythology, Hades ruled the subterranean kingdom of the dead.

  4. The novel depicted a civilization of subterraneans who had never seen the sun.

  5. The ancient city was riddled with subterraneans used for storage and escape.