underwater
underwater — adjective
1. Existing, taking place, or designed for use below the water level of a sea, lake
Existing, taking place, or designed for use below the water level of a sea, lake, or river.
Reema's photographs of the underwater world won a national award.
underwater + noun (world) — describes a place
An underwater volcano erupted near the coast of Tonga last year.
underwater + noun (volcano) — natural feature
Scientists use underwater cameras to track the movements of sea turtles.
The resort has an underwater restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Divers discovered an underwater cave system stretching for several kilometres.
- submerged
Focuses on the state of being covered by water; can describe objects that are temporarily under water, not necessarily designed for that purpose
- undersea
Limited to oceans (not lakes or rivers); used mainly in formal or scientific contexts
- subaquatic
Technical term for things living or growing under water; much less common in everyday speech
- above water
Describes something located or operating on the surface or in the air above a body of water
- aerial
Relating to the air above water rather than below the surface
文法句型
underwater + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Common noun partners include camera, world, life, cave, volcano, cable, exploration, and archaeology.
常見錯誤
underwater — adverb
1. In a position covered by water, or moving into such a position, so that you are
In a position covered by water, or moving into such a position, so that you are completely below the water line.
The children swam underwater to see the colourful fish near the reef.
swim + underwater — indicates where the swimming happens
Benjamin held his breath and stayed underwater for forty-five seconds.
stayed + underwater + for + duration
The research submarine can travel underwater for up to three months.
A large sea turtle glided silently underwater just beneath the divers.
Penguins can dive underwater to hunt for fish and small squid.
- below the surface
More formal; can be used literally or figuratively in a way that 'underwater' cannot
- beneath the waves
Literary or dramatic style; not used in everyday conversation
- above water
Indicates a position on or above the surface of the water
文法句型
verb + underwater
stay/remain + underwater + for + duration
用法筆記
Commonly follows verbs of movement (go, dive, swim) or verbs of state/position (remain, stay, be). With be, it describes current location: 'The boat was underwater after the storm.' Do not confuse with the adjective form, which must be placed before a noun.