Pronunciation: [nˈɛðə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "nether" is a bit tricky, as it does not follow typical English phonetic rules. Its pronunciation is /ˈnɛðər/, with a silent "h" and the "th" pronounced as a voiceless "th" sound. This word means "lower" or "under" and is often used in combination with other words to describe things that are below or beneath something else. Despite its unusual spelling, "nether" is a common word in English vocabulary.
The term "nether" is an adjective in the English language that refers to a position or place that is lower or situated beneath something else. It is typically used to describe a lower or bottom region, often associated with darkness, gloom, or underworld connotations.
In its literal sense, "nether" may be used to describe the lower part of the body, specifically the genital area or buttocks. This usage is considered formal or poetic, and is less common in contemporary language.
In a more figurative sense, "nether" often denotes a place beneath the surface or hidden from view. It can imply a sense of secrecy, mystery, or the unknown. For example, expressions like "nether regions" or "netherworld" may be used to depict realms that are obscured, such as the depths of the ocean or the mythological underworld.
The word "nether" can also be associated with negative or unpleasant qualities. It is frequently used in combination with other terms to create compounds like "nethermost" (meaning the lowest or furthest down), "netherworldly" (relating to the mythical underworld), or "netherward" (indicating a downward or descending direction).
In summary, "nether" encompasses the concept of being lower or beneath, characterizing places that are hidden, dark, or concealed. Its range of usage extends from anatomical references to metaphorical descriptions of hidden realms or negative aspects.
Lying beneath; in a lower place; opposed to upper; belonging to the regions below.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word nether originates from the Old English term neoþera, which is a combination of neothera (nether, lower) and neoþro, meaning down, down below. It is related to the Dutch word neder, the German word nieder, and the Old Norse word neðra. The root of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *nidiraz, which ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *nei-, meaning lower or down.
