underpinning

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 

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

Synonyms

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• cornerstone
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• groundwork
• keystone
• root
• warp
• warp and woof

Examples of underpinning in a Sentence

the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question

the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most popular theories centers on the number 286, with many internet users speculating that the crime had symbolic underpinnings. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

But also like Dead to Me, No Good Deed uses the dramatic underpinnings of its central situation to give juicy, emotionally varied material to a cast of actors making the most out of every predictably outrageous zig and zag. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

Even more troubling to Godin is the decline of the economic underpinnings of the entire book publishing industry itself. —Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

The performer who gets closest to that is Will Koski, singing the role of Lord Archibald Craven made famous by Mandy Patinkin and offering up a performance as rich in emotional underpinning as in musical pleasures. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

underpinning

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ 

1

: the foundation used for support of a structure

2

: prop entry 1, support

3

: a person's legs

—usually used in plural