Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition underlying in British English

underlying adjective

adjective
/ˌʌndə(r)ˈlaɪɪŋ/
1

underlying causes, facts, ideas etc are the real or basic ones, although they are not obvious or directly stated

Example

The underlying causes of the riots have been ignored.

Example

While superficially similar, the two films have very different underlying messages.

Synonyms and related words
unclear subtle underlying
2

an underlying number or amount shows what the true amount or level of something is

Example

There was another fall in the underlying rate of inflation last month.

Synonyms and related words
sheer underlying quantifiable
3

existing under the surface of something

Example

underlying rock

Synonyms and related words
under below lower
Definition underlying in British English