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Adjective: underlying  ,ún-du(r)'lI-ing
  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
Verb: underlie (underlay,underlain,underlying)  ,ún-du(r)'lI
  1. Be or form the base for
     
  2. Lie underneath

See also: basic, implicit, inexplicit, subjacent

Type of: be, lie

Encyclopedia: Underlying