underpin

American  

[uhn-der-pin] / ˌʌn dərˈpɪn /

verb (used with object)

underpinned, underpinning

1. to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.

2. to replace or strengthen the foundation of (a building or the like).

3. to furnish a foundation for; corroborate.

   The author's conclusions are underpinned by references to experimental findings.

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underpin British  

/ ˌʌndəˈpɪn /

verb

1. to support from beneath, esp by a prop, while avoiding damaging or weakening the superstructure

   to underpin a wall

2. to give corroboration, strength, or support to

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Etymology

Origin of underpin

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin

Example Sentences

Before the conflict, interest rates set by the Bank of England - which underpin borrowing rates for homebuyers - had fallen over the course of last year and had been expected to fall further this year.

From BBC

These low-risk investments underpin the global financial system and provide a haven for capital in a wild world.

From The Wall Street Journal

Here is a look at some of the key elements of the vehicles underpinning the flight.

From The Wall Street Journal

Much of that classification still rests on 2011 data, even though many areas have since transformed, blurring the lines that underpin policy.

From BBC

The board said momentum was being underpinned by growing demand and continued progress in direct customer engagements.

From The Wall Street Journal