under and underneath

[Runs1215]

May I know what's the difference between 'under' and 'underneath'?

for instance, can i use 'under' instead of 'underneath' in the following sentence?
"The baby liked to sit underneath the table"

When should I use 'under' and when should i use 'underneath'? is there any situation that they are not replaceable by the other?

thanks.

[Alan]

Hi,

Clearly they both indicate in a lower position. The difference mainly is that 'underneath' suggests under to the point that something has almost disappeared or is not visible. We can say: As it was raining, we took shelter under the bridge and to make sure that we didn't get wet all, we stayed close together underneath a large umbrella.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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