Skip to content
vocaboo
Beta
Log in

underlying

Pronunciation: [ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ]

Word

Learn how to use underlying in a sentence: 6 audio examples across 2 meanings.

Context: “relationship”

(adjective) something that is the basic cause or reason for something else. It’s like the hidden reason behind what you see on the surface.

Example

The underlying problem in the story was the character's fear of failing.

Example

There was no underlying issue; everything seemed fine on the outside.

Example

What is the underlying reason for their disagreement?

Context: “similarity”

(adjective) something that is beneath the surface or not immediately obvious. It’s there, but you have to look closer to see it.

Example

The underlying patterns in the artwork made it more beautiful when you noticed them.

Example

There were no underlying textures in the painting; it looked very flat.

Example

What underlying themes can we find in the movie?

How to pronounce underlying

Pronunciation: [ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

0s
0s