underlying

Everyday

1. Underlying means real but hidden; it is the true reason behind something: the underlying cause. tree →
2. Underlying also means lying under something else: the underlying rock. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths, the underlying rule or pattern explains what you see. In health, an underlying condition is an illness someone already has. In stories, an underlying feeling may be hidden by what characters say. Phrases: underlying cause, underlying problem, underlying condition.

Examples

• The underlying cause of the fire was a broken wire. tree →
• Under the soil is the underlying rock. tree →
• Look for the underlying pattern in the numbers. tree →
• His jokes hid an underlying sadness. tree →
• Grandad has an underlying heart problem. tree →
• The underlying idea of the story is friendship. tree →

Note

Adjective before a noun. Verb: underlie (underlies, underlay, underlain). Close words: basic, hidden, root.