underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ 

1

a

: lying beneath or below

the underlying rock is shale

b

: basic, fundamental

an investigation of the underlying issues

2

: evident only on close inspection : implicit

3

: anterior and prior in claim

underlying mortgage

4

: of or being present in deep structure

underlying word order

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• basal
• basic
• beginning
• elemental
• elementary
• essential
• fundamental
• introductory
• meat-and-potatoes
• rudimental
• rudimentary

Examples of underlying in a Sentence

the ocean and the underlying rock

the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship

Recent Examples on the Web

Although their context may be different, the underlying principles are the same. —Anna Anisin, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

There’s an underlying sense of loyalty between them, even post-divorce, with Apollo revealing that Toya had been asking about his marital affairs. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024

These programs aim to reduce shootings by addressing underlying social factors and providing intervention services in at-risk communities. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

The big picture: The November jobs report offers a slightly clearer snapshot of the underlying health of the labor market. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ 

1

: lying under or below

the underlying rock

2

: fundamental entry 1 sense 1

Medical Definition

underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing -ˌlī-iŋ 

: serving as a basis or cause (as of secondary symptoms)

the underlying brain malformation that caused the hydrocephalus

—R. M. Henig