underlying — existing beneath or at the basis of something; fundamental
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: existing beneath or at the basis of something; fundamental
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The underlying reason why he became a chef was his grandmother's amazing cooking.
- The underlying message of his 100 text messages was simply 'I miss you'.
- Scientists discovered the underlying mechanism of how cats always land on their feet.
underlying
ADJECTIVE[/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/]
existing beneath or at the basis of something; fundamental
Stress was the underlying cause of his headaches.
The underlying rock supported the entire island. (UNDER + LYING = UNDERLYING → lying underneath something else)
Identifying the underlying problem was the first step toward solving it.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'underlicgan', combining 'under' (beneath) and 'licgan' (to lie). The word evolved through Middle English to its modern form, maintaining the sense of something positioned beneath or forming the foundation.
Breakdown
under- (beneath) + lie (to recline/be positioned) + -ing (present participle) = underlying
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The underlying reason why he became a chef was his grandmother's amazing cooking.”
“The underlying message of his 100 text messages was simply 'I miss you'.”
“Scientists discovered the underlying mechanism of how cats always land on their feet.”
“The underlying truth is that nobody really knows how to fold a fitted sheet properly.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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