WordWeb Online

1. In the nature of something though not readily apparent
   "an underlying meaning";
   - implicit in, inherent
    
2. Located beneath or below
    
3. Being or involving basic facts or principles
   "underlying principles";
   - fundamental, rudimentary

1. Be or form the base for
    
2. Lie underneath

See also: basic, implicit, inexplicit, subjacent

Type of: be, lie

Encyclopedia: Underlying