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

There's also the vast and the invisible underlying logic telling everything how to function. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Low iron can cause anemia or indicate an underlying condition affecting how your body stores or uses iron. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

The risks are particularly high for anyone with an underlying health condition such as sleep apnea or who engages in behavior that puts additional stress on one's physical health, such as smoking or not eating well, Asfour said. —Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Wise reported last month that its underlying income was £325.4 million ($424 million) in the three months ended September, a 22% jump from a year earlier. —Robert Olsen, Forbes, 5 Nov. 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