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un·der·ly·ing
 underlying
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- pronunciation:
- uhn
d
 r
laI
Ing
- parts of speech:
- adjective, verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective)
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
lying under or below.
The underlying fabric is chiffon. |
| definition 2: |
fundamental; basic.
The presence of bacteria is an underlying cause of tooth decay.- similar words:
- bottom, fundamental, prime
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| definition 3: |
present but not easily apparent; implicit.
The psychiatrist hoped to find the underlying reasons for the patient's mental breakdown.- antonyms:
- surface
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| related words: |
basic, elementary, primary, ultimate |
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| part of speech: |
verb |
| definition: |
present participle of underlie.
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