underlying
/,ʌndə'laiiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Being or involving basic facts or principles: Refers to something that forms the necessary base or core of a system, concept, or situation, even if not immediately visible.
- Located beneath or below: Describes something that is situated under another layer or surface.
- In the nature of something though not readily apparent: Indicates a quality, cause, or meaning that is fundamental and intrinsic but not obvious on the surface.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The report aimed to uncover the underlying causes of the economic crisis. (The report sought to find the basic, root causes.)
- Despite their disagreements, they shared an underlying commitment to peace. (Their fundamental, though not always visible, dedication was to peace.)
- The geologists studied the underlying rock formations. (The geologists examined the rock layers located beneath the surface.)
Advanced Usage
- "Underlying assumption": A basic supposition that is taken for granted in a line of reasoning.
- The entire argument was flawed due to an incorrect underlying assumption.
- "Underlying condition": A basic, often chronic, health issue that affects a person's overall health.
- The infection was severe because of the patient's underlying heart condition.
- "Underlying trend": The fundamental, long-term direction of change beneath short-term fluctuations.
- Despite monthly variations, the underlying trend in sales is positive.
Variants and Related Words
- Underlie (verb): To be the basis or foundation for something; to lie underneath.
- A deep sense of justice underlies her arguments.
- Underlay (noun/verb, less common): Something placed under another thing; a past tense of 'underlie'.
- The carpet underlay provides extra cushioning.
Synonyms
- Fundamental: Forming a necessary base or core.
- Basic: Of the simplest kind or at the simplest level.
- Intrinsic: Belonging naturally; essential.
- Root: Of the basic cause, source, or origin.
Antonyms
- Superficial: Existing or occurring on the surface.
- Apparent: Clearly visible or understood; obvious.
- Secondary: Coming after, less important than, or resulting from something primary.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- "The underlying issue": The real, fundamental problem, as opposed to surface symptoms.
- We must address the underlying issue, not just the symptoms.
- "Underlying meaning": The implicit or real significance, different from the literal or surface meaning.
- The poem's charm lies in its underlying meaning.
Adjective
- being or involving basic facts or principles
- the fundamental laws of the universe
- a fundamental incomatibility between them
- these rudimentary truths
- underlying principles
- located beneath or below
- in the nature of something though not readily apparent
- shortcomings inherent in our approach
- an underlying meaning