subterranean

adjective

lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)

being or operating under the surface of the earth

Roots

subsub- · Latin · under, below terra-terr · Latin · earth, land

Synonyms & related words for subterranean

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Words related to subterranean

Explore words related to subterranean — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include subterraneous, subterrene, subterraneously, hypogeal, underground, hypogeous, belowground, hypogeum. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does subterranean come from?

The word subterranean breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: sub-, from Latin sub (“under, below”); and -terr, from Latin terra (“earth, land”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.