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

The patient, who lived in Central Mexico, had no history of exposure to poultry or other animals and had underlying medical conditions. —Riley Griffin / Bloomberg, TIME, 5 June 2024

Besides love, forgiveness is another underlying theme in the book. —Britta Stromeyer, The Mercury News, 4 June 2024

But one underlying factor not to be overlooked that has brought Minnesota to within two wins of becoming the first Professional Women’s Hockey League champion has been the team defense that has forwards, defenders and goaltenders working as one cohesive unit to shut down opponents. —Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 23 May 2024

Pisceans are also one of the most emotionally deep signs in the zodiac, while Geminis are often described as superficially charming, which creates a lot of underlying tension. —Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 19 May 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