English vocabulary · B2
Subterranean
ˌsʌbtəˈreɪniən · adj.
It means below the ground. Any place or space under the surface of the earth.
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Example sentences
- A subterranean river runs under the city.
- Bats nest in subterranean caves.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- sub — below (from Latin)
- terra — earth (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- UNDERGROUND (literally below the earth's surface)
- HIDDEN (kept out of sight and awareness)
- DEEP (far below the surface or public view)
Words with the same root
terra — earth
- terrain — the physical features of a stretch of earth — the lay of the land
- territory — a stretch of earth claimed or controlled by a group
- terrestrial — of or relating to the earth — belonging to land rather than sea or sky
Lesson notes
Subterranean. It means below the ground. Any place or space under the surface of the earth.
Similar words are underground, hidden, and deep. Use subterranean when a place exists under the ground.
A subterranean river runs under the city. Bats nest in subterranean caves.
From Latin. Sub means below. Terra means earth. Below the earth, hidden and unseen — that is subterranean.