underpinverb [ T ]
uk/ˌʌn.dəˈpɪn/us/ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/-nn-formal or specialized architecture to give support, strength, or a basic structure to something:
He presented data to underpin his argument.
Gradually the laws that underpinned (= formed part of the basic structure of) apartheid were abolished.
When restoring the building, the first priority was to underpin the exterior walls by adding wooden supports along the foundations.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Physical supports and supporting
- backbone
- bearing
- bolster
- bookend
- buoy
- burden
- buttress
- cantilever
- groan
- pile
- pillar
- rafter
- runner
- scaffold
- scaffolding
- shore
- shore sth up
- skid
- stem
- stilt
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Backing, supporting & defending
underpinning
noun [ C or U ] uk/ˈʌn.dəˌpɪn.ɪŋ/us/ˈʌn.dɚˌpɪn.ɪŋ/
After a while, we found ourselves questioning the spiritual and philosophical underpinning of the American way of life.