underlying (adj.)

1610s, present-participle adjective from underlie.

Entries linking to underlying

Old English under licgan "to be subordinate to, to submit to;" see under + lie (v.2). Meaning "to lie under or beneath" is attested from c. 1600; figurative sense of "to be the basis of" is attested from 1852 (implied in underlying). Similar formation in Old High German untarliggan; German unterliegen.

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updated on February 26, 2014

Definitions of underlying from WordNet

underlying (adj.)

in the nature of something though not readily apparent;

an underlying meaning

Synonyms: implicit in / inherent

underlying (adj.)

located beneath or below;

underlying (adj.)

being or involving basic facts or principles;

underlying principles

Synonyms: fundamental / rudimentary

Etymologies are not definitions. From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near underlying

underhanded

underlay

underlie

underline

underling

underlying

undermine

undern

underneath

undernourished

underpants