underpin

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verb un·der·pin \ ˌən-dər-ˈpin \

Definition of underpin

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

See underpin defined for English-language learners

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Examples of underpin in a Sentence

a wall underpinned by metal beams
the central beliefs that underpin a free society

Recent Examples of underpin from the Web

The stockpiles -- underpinning obligations to policyholders across the nation -- would drop by 11 percent on average across more than 260 property and casualty insurers in that group, according to its calculations.

— sonali basak, Bloomberg.com, "BlackRock Finds More Risk Assets at Insurers Than '08," 30 Aug. 2017
The principle underpinning all of that — the freedom of citizens from European Union countries to work anywhere in the 28-nation bloc — is a pillar of the union itself.

— liz alderman, New York Times, "France’s Macron Looks to Confront Eastern Europe Over Low-Cost Workers," 23 Aug. 2017
According to a statement Tuesday, Reed pointed to the following facts and figures that underpin the selection committee’s evaluation of four proposals to design, build and finance KCI.

— steve vockrodt, kansascity, "KCI proposals by the numbers: A heavy lift," 22 Aug. 2017
The French company, which will also assume some $2.5 billion worth of Maersk Oil debt, said the deal underpins its dividend profile.

— pan pylas, chicagotribune.com, "France's Total buying Maersk Oil for $7.45 billion," 21 Aug. 2017
A 1919 eclipse helped prove Einstein’s theory of general relativity, changing our understanding of the laws underpinning the universe.

— william wan, Washington Post, "The great American eclipse is finally here," 21 Aug. 2017
But as more of these right-wing rallies are scheduled to occur throughout the nation, the police must take a hard look at their behavior and all the ways it underpins white privilege.

— lincoln anthony blades, Teen Vogue, "Dear Police, Why Are You Treating White Supremacists Better Than Nonviolent Black Activists?," 18 Aug. 2017
This is very much the vision of the Hindu nationalist groups whose zeal underpins the BJP’s success; not coincidentally, their intellectual evolution shows striking parallels with Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

— The Economist, "Reconciliation is not impossible, but it will be a long, slow process," 22 July 2017
Sinister music underpins the tragic story of Danielle Deaver from Nebraska, whose water broke at 22 weeks and was told that her baby had a 10 percent chance of survival.

— madeleine kearns, National Review, "What a New Anti-Anti-Abortion Documentary Gets Wrong," 22 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underpin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of underpin

1522

underpin Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Related Words

steady, truss, underlie

UNDERPIN Defined for English Language Learners

underpin

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verb

Definition of underpin for English Language Learners

: to strengthen or support (something) from below

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See words that rhyme with underpin Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for underpin Nglish: Translation of underpin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of underpin for Arabic speakers

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underpin

Definition of underpin

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underpin

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