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

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot