underlying

un·der·ly·ing

adj \ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ\

Definition of UNDERLYING

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>

Examples of UNDERLYING

1. the ocean and the underlying rock
2. <the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship>

First Known Use of UNDERLYING

1611

Related to UNDERLYING

Synonyms: abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, elementary

Antonyms: advanced

Related Words: primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms: complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

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Rhymes with UNDERLYING

nitrifying, terrifying