underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin 

underpinned; underpinning; underpins

transitive verb

1

: support, substantiate

underpin a thesis with evidence

2

: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of

underpin a structure

underpin a sagging building

Synonyms

• bear
• bolster
• brace
• buttress
• carry
• prop (up)
• shore (up)
• stay
• support
• sustain
• undergird
• uphold

Examples of underpin in a Sentence

a wall underpinned by metal beams

the central beliefs that underpin a free society

Recent Examples on the Web

Deep, almost peanut-buttery black sesame seeds underpin its nuanced layers: a dark custard base shielded under a thin, crackly sugar crust that shatters under the tap of a metal spoon, a sphere of black sesame ice cream sitting on top, a lacy cookie wheel wedged into it. —Eric Kim, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2024

By overlooking how these priorities underpin African countries’ stability and prosperity, Washington has instead picked a fight with China and Russia over who has more influence on the continent this week, this month, this year. —Matthew T. Page, TIME, 10 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin -ˈpin 

1

: to give support to

underpin an argument with evidence

2

: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of

underpin a structure