C1adjective 2K

Underlying

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Underlying

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

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

Underlying in a sentence

• 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

How to use Underlying

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.

Related words

Collocations with Underlying

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

Synonyms for Underlying

• fundamental
• basic
• primary
• root
• core

Opposites of Underlying

• superficial
• apparent
• external

Common mistakes with Underlying

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

Frequently asked questions about Underlying

What does Underlying mean?

Something that is beneath the surface or basic level.

What is the definition of Underlying?

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

How do you use Underlying in a sentence?

The underlying assumption is that the amount of money available is limited.

Can you give another example of Underlying?

Unemployment may be an underlying cause of the rising crime rate.

What are synonyms for Underlying?

Common alternatives include fundamental, basic, primary, root, core.

What is the opposite of Underlying?

Opposite meanings include superficial, apparent, external.

What words go with Underlying?

It commonly pairs with underlying cause, underlying principle, underlying problem, underlying issue.

What are common mistakes when using Underlying?

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

How do you pronounce Underlying?

US: /["/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Underlying?

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.

What CEFR level is Underlying?

"Underlying" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.