adjective
Common
underlying
Underlying (adjective) means Situated beneath or below something else. Example: “Workers dug through the topsoil to reach the underlying rock.”
adjective
1
Situated beneath or below something else.
"Workers dug through the topsoil to reach the underlying rock."
"The underlying layer of ice stayed frozen even when the surface melted."
"A layer of clay lies underlying the topsoil."
2
Forming the basic cause or foundation of something, even if not immediately obvious.
"Rising rents are only a symptom, and the underlying problem is a shortage of homes."
"The underlying reason for the delay was a shortage of parts."
"Doctors looked for an underlying condition that might explain her symptoms."
noun
1
In finance, the asset (such as a stock, commodity, or index) whose value determines the price of a derivative contract.
"The price of the option moves up and down with its underlying."
"Traders watch the underlying closely because every change in it affects the contract's value."
"If the underlying rises sharply, the option becomes far more valuable."
How to use underlying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething basic or hidden beneath the surface that explains or supports what you can actually see.
Common pairings
underlying cause
underlying condition
underlying issue
underlying asset
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Word forms
- Plural
- underlyings
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Workers dug through the topsoil to reach the _____ rock.
Etymology
Formed from underlie plus the ending -ing.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for underlying
See all rhymes for underlying →Frequently asked questions
What does “underlying” mean?
The word “underlying” means situated beneath or below something else. In plain terms, something basic or hidden beneath the surface that explains or supports what you can actually see.
How do you use “underlying” in a sentence?
Here is “underlying” used in a sentence: “A layer of clay lies underlying the topsoil.”
What part of speech is “underlying”?
Depending on how it is used, “underlying” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “underlying” a common word?
“Underlying” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “underlying” have?
“Underlying” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: situated beneath or below something else.
What is the difference between "underlying" and "underlined"?
"Underlying" means lying beneath the surface or forming the hidden basis of something, as in "the underlying cause," while "underlined" means marked with a line underneath for emphasis. The words sound similar but are unrelated in meaning.
What is the difference between "underlying" and "fundamental"?
Both refer to something basic, but "underlying" stresses that a cause or feature lies beneath the surface and may not be obvious, while "fundamental" stresses its central importance. An underlying issue can be hidden, whereas a fundamental one is essential.
What is the difference between "underlying" and "overlying"?
"Underlying" describes something situated beneath another thing, while "overlying" describes something lying on top of it. In terms of physical position, they are direct opposites.
What are common collocations with "underlying"?
Common phrases include "underlying cause," "underlying condition," "underlying assumption," and "underlying principle." These pairings appear often in medical, scientific, and analytical writing.
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