underpinning

un·der·pin·ning

noun \ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ\

Definition of UNDERPINNING

1

: the material and construction (as a foundation) used for support of a structure

2

: something that serves as a foundation : basis, support —often used in plural <the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods>

3

: underwear —usually used in plural

4

: a person's legs —usually used in plural

Examples of UNDERPINNING

1. <the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question>
2. <the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision>

First Known Use of UNDERPINNING

15th century

Related to UNDERPINNING

Synonyms

basis, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, root, base, warp, warp and woof

Related Words

anchorage, bed, brace, bulwark, buttress, framework, infrastructure, mount, prop, shore, stay, substratum, substructure, support; assumption, justification, premise (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, rationale, supposition, theory, thesis, warrant; backbone, center, core, cornerstone, eye, focus, heart, hub, kernel, keystone, nucleus, seat; essence, quintessence, soul, touchstone

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot