Distinguishing Beneath from Below

Beneath vs Below

Beneath and Below are often confused due to the apparent similarity in their meanings. However, there is a subtle difference between the two words. Beneath is generally understood in the sense of ‘under’, while Below is used in the sense of ‘lower than’. Both words are used as adverbs, and in many cases, the word Below can replace the word Beneath.

Understanding Beneath

Beneath has the meaning of ‘under’. Consider these two sentences to understand how Beneath is used:
– He slept beneath the tree.
– He hides himself beneath the table.

In both sentences, the word beneath is used in the sense of ‘under’. If you substitute ‘under’ for ‘beneath’, the meanings of the sentences will not change. Beneath is mainly used in a literal or formal style, and in daily life, it is often replaced by under or below.

Understanding Below

Unlike the word beneath, the word below usually means ‘lower than’. Consider these two sentences:
– He secured below 50 marks in the examinations.
– His batting average is below 50.

In both sentences, the word below is used in the sense of ‘lower than’. However, the word below is sometimes used in the sense of ‘under’, as in the following sentence:
– Look at the examples given below.

In this sentence, the word below is used in the sense of ‘under’, allowing it to be substituted with ‘under’.

Key Takeaways

• Beneath is generally understood in the sense of ‘under’, while Below is used in the sense of ‘lower than’.
• Below is sometimes used in the sense of ‘under’, allowing it to be substituted with ‘under’.
• Beneath is mainly used in a literal or formal style, and in daily life, it is often replaced by under or below.