verb
adjective
- In the nature of something though not readily apparent.
- usage: "shortcomings inherent in our approach"; "an underlying meaning"
- synonyms: implicit in, inherent
- Located beneath or below.
- Being or involving basic facts or principles.
- usage: "the fundamental laws of the universe"; "a fundamental incomatibility between them"; "these rudimentary truths"; "underlying principles"
- synonyms: fundamental, rudimentary
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
| APA | WordNet. (2010). underlying. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/underlying/definitions/1186408 |
| Chicago | WordNet. 2010. "underlying" http://smartdefine.org/underlying/definitions/1186408 (accessed September 22, 2026). |
| Harvard | WordNet 2010, underlying, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/underlying/definitions/1186408>. |
| MLA | WordNet. "underlying" 23 October 2010. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/underlying/definitions/1186408> |