C1adjective2K

Underlying

UK /["/ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

important in a situation but not always easily noticed or stated clearly

In simple words: Something that is beneath the surface or basic level.

Examples

  • The underlying assumption is that the amount of money available is limited.
  • Unemployment may be an underlying cause of the rising crime rate.
  • Despite this month's disappointing figures, the underlying trend is healthy.
  • He has no illusions about the underlying reality of army life.
  • She was not sure what his underlying motives were.
  • The joke did not obscure the underlying seriousness of her point.
  • The underlying reasons for these differences will be explored in depth in the next chapter.
  • Their policies have resulted in a definite underlying improvement in the economy.
  • the underlying rock formation

Usage notes

Use 'underlying' to discuss the basic cause or support of something. It fits in academic and formal contexts but can also work in spoken conversation when discussing issues.

Grammar pattern

underlying + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'underlying' like 'under laying' — it’s what’s under the main issue.

Collocations

  • underlying cause
  • underlying principle
  • underlying problem
  • underlying issue

Synonyms

  • fundamental
  • basic
  • primary
  • root
  • core

Antonyms

  • superficial
  • apparent
  • external

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'underlined' which means emphasized in text.
  • Used with incorrect nouns - 'underlying reason' is correct, not 'underlining reason'.