underpinning

[ uhn-der-pin-ing ]

noun

1. a system of supports beneath a wall or the like.
2. Often underpinnings. a foundation or basis:

   to uncover the emotional underpinnings of an illness.

3. underpinnings, Informal.
   1. underwear, especially women's underwear.
   2. the legs.

underpinning

/ ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. a structure of masonry, concrete, etc, placed beneath a wall to provide support

Word History and Origins

Origin of underpinning¹

First recorded in 1480–90; under + pin + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In my own life, I find myself thinking about the philosophy underpinning dialectical behavior therapy, an approach designed for the most challenging situations and intense emotions: learning to simultaneously wholeheartedly accept and change.

From Los Angeles Times

The public-private effort underpinning the largest wildlife crossing in the world, under construction near L.A., has inspired an initiative to replicate it across California.

From Los Angeles Times

And the biggest underpinning to that is that he is part of a system and a symptom of a system.

From Salon

Still, the sustainability underpinning the beds hasn't stopped some athletes from vocalizing certain comfort-related qualms.

From Salon

For more than a quarter of a century Anjem Choudary, 57, has promoted the Islamist ideology underpinning jihadist violence in the UK.

From BBC