sub-, suc-, suf-, sug-, sum-, sup-, sur-, sus-, su-
(Latin: under, below, beneath; used as a prefix as shown in various formats below)
Don't confuse the sur- in this element with the sur- in super-. Note: sub- regularly means "under", but it often changes its form as it retains or keeps its meaning:
The prefix sub- often becomes suc- before c: succumb.
The prefix sub- often becomes suf- before f: suffuse.
The prefix sub- often becomes sug- before g: suggest.
The prefix sub- often becomes sum- before m: sumptuous.
The prefix sub- often becomes sup- before p: suppression.
The prefix sub- often becomes sur- before r: surrogate.
The prefix, sub- is often simplified to su- before sp; as seen in suspect, suspend, suspicion, suspension, et al. Before c, p, and t; it is sometimes formed into sus-.
substitutional (adjective); more substitutional, most substitutional
Pertaining to something or someone that can be replaced or exchanged: Substitutional possibilities among the teachers at the school are certainly realizable when one teacher is suddenly sick and has to be supplanted by another one.
substrata
substratosphere
The lowest layer of the earth's atmosphere, at a height of about 12 miles or 20 kilometers above the earth.
substratum
1. The supporting part of foundation of a building or other large construction.
2. The earth bank or bed supporting railroad tracks.
3. Any underlying structure or formation of arranged parts that supports or gives strength to something.
2. The earth bank or bed supporting railroad tracks.
3. Any underlying structure or formation of arranged parts that supports or gives strength to something.
Relating to, or situated in an area beneath top of something; especially, of the earth or of a body of water.
subtenant
subterraneal (adjective), more subterraneal, most subterraneal
Outdated, below the ground; subterranean: Under the shopping mall there is a large subterraneal parking lot for the customers to use.
subterranean (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Regarding something that is situated or operating beneath the surface of the Earth; underground: Some very religious people believe that there is a subterranean world where those who have committed crimes must live after death.
2. Hidden; secret: In the detective story, the culprit possessed a subterranean motives for committing the murder.
2. Hidden; secret: In the detective story, the culprit possessed a subterranean motives for committing the murder.
subterraneous (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Concerning something that exists under the surface of the Earth or is situated within the ground: Jack found out that there were subterraneous, or underground, springs and subterraneous passages leading down to the springs near his town!
2. Pertaining to something that is beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed): In the novel, Tom's subterraneous motive for murdering his grandfather was not disclosed until the end of the last chapter.
2. Pertaining to something that is beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed): In the novel, Tom's subterraneous motive for murdering his grandfather was not disclosed until the end of the last chapter.
subtle (adjective), more subtle, most subtle
1. Pertaining to a process or approach which is cleverly indirect and ingenious: In order to convince his girlfriend to go hiking with him, Jack tried to persuade her in a more subtle way.
2. Descriptive of something so slight as to be difficult to detect or to describe; elusive: Shirley had a subtle smile when Richard told her why he got home so late.
3. Relating to something which is difficult to understand; abstruse: Pam presented an argument whose subtle point was lost by her friend.
4. Concerning the ability to make fine distinctions: Mr. Smart had a very subtle, keen, and perceptive mind and had no problems to grasp the facts presented at the inquiry.
5. Regarding something which is implemented in a hidden, usually injurious way; insidious: Sam happened to eat something at the restaurant which caused him to have a subtle upset stomach.
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2. Descriptive of something so slight as to be difficult to detect or to describe; elusive: Shirley had a subtle smile when Richard told her why he got home so late.
3. Relating to something which is difficult to understand; abstruse: Pam presented an argument whose subtle point was lost by her friend.
4. Concerning the ability to make fine distinctions: Mr. Smart had a very subtle, keen, and perceptive mind and had no problems to grasp the facts presented at the inquiry.
5. Regarding something which is implemented in a hidden, usually injurious way; insidious: Sam happened to eat something at the restaurant which caused him to have a subtle upset stomach.
There must have been some subtle poison in the food the cat found and ate because it died in the evening.
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subtleness
The property of being subtle, of avoiding brute force, and instead being clever or skillful.
subtlety
1. The quality of being difficult to detect or analyze.
2. A distinction that is difficult to make but which is considered to be important.
3. A delicacy or nicety of character or meaning.
2. A distinction that is difficult to make but which is considered to be important.
3. A delicacy or nicety of character or meaning.
subtonic
