Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
underlying
adjective
/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/brand_identity-01.png)
Definition
Something that is beneath the surface or hidden, providing a foundation or basis for something else.
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/migrate-02.png)
Examples
- The underlying principle of the theory is based on observation.
- There are underlying issues that need to be addressed.
- The underlying cause of the problem was later discovered.
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ux-02.png)
Meaning
Underlying refers to something that lies beneath or is the root cause of something else, often not immediately visible.
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/text-file-font.png)
Synonyms
- fundamental
- basic
- core
- essential
- subjacent