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underpinning

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noun un·der·pin·ning \ ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ \

Definition of underpinning

1 :the material and construction (such 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

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Examples of underpinning in a Sentence

  1. the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question

  2. the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision

Recent Examples of underpinning from the Web

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

First Known Use of underpinning

15th century

underpinning Synonyms

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

Learn More about underpinning

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for underpinning Nglish: Translation of underpinning for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of underpinning for Arabic speakers

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Examples: underpinning in a Sentence