What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underside
Example
The underside of the car was covered in mud. [underside: noun]
Example
She flipped the book over to see the underside of the cover. [underside: noun]
Example
The turtle's underside was soft and vulnerable. [underside: noun]
bottom
Example
The bottom of the pool was slippery. [bottom: noun]
Example
He placed the vase on the bottom shelf. [bottom: noun]
Example
She poured the milk to the bottom of the glass. [bottom: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bottom is more commonly used than underside in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Underside is more technical and specific, and it is often used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underside and bottom?
Underside is more formal and technical than bottom, which is more casual and versatile. Bottom can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while underside is more appropriate for formal or technical writing.