underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
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

Examples of underlying in a Sentence

the ocean and the underlying rock the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mass adoption requires prices that feel accessible, even if the underlying value far exceeds the cost. Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Womanhood is the underlying theme for the debut album. Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025 The three levels of analysis each describe the same underlying reality—how fluids flow. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025 But the underlying metrics suggest that might not be sustainable. Katie Woo, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of underlying was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

underlying

adjective
un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
1
: lying under or below
the underlying rock
2

Medical Definition

underlying

adjective
un·​der·​ly·​ing -ˌlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
: serving as a basis or cause (as of secondary symptoms)
the underlying brain malformation that caused the hydrocephalusR. M. Henig

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