underpin
/ʌndəˈpɪn
/verb (underpins, underpinning, underpinned) [with object]
1Support (a building or other structure) from below by laying a solid foundation below ground level or by substituting stronger for weaker materials.Work began on rectifying the structural problems of the library and extra piles were inserted and the building was underpinned....
- The claim of the insured included an additional claim to underpin an adjacent office block, which was not part of the insured property.
- Mrs Lloyd said the council refuses to answer questions about underpinning her house.
2Support, justify, or form the basis for: the theme of honour underpinning the two books...
- He said, ‘We are remembering the past, honouring the present and underpinning a legacy for future generations in gathering here today.’
- We should never lose sight of the fact that it is engagement in a real economy that underpins reciprocity in society.
- The story of her parents' struggle to raise four children in an alien culture underpins her book and her beliefs.
Rhymes
- little or nothing
- little (or nothing) short of
- little Orphan Annie
- little Orphant Annie
- Little Ouse
- little owl
- Little Parliament
- little penguin
- little people
- little piecer
- Little Red Book
- little review
- Little Rhody
- Little Rock
- Littler's blue
- Little Russian
- little science
- little screen
- Little's disease
- little season
- little sister
- little slam
- little theatre
- Little Tibet
- little toe