underlying (adj.)

  1. in the nature of something though not readily apparent; shortcomings inherent in our approach; an underlying meaning

    [ Syn: implicit in , inherent ]

  2. located beneath or below

  3. being or involving basic facts or principles; the fundamental laws of the universe; a fundamental incomatibility between them; these rudimentary truths; underlying principles

    [ Syn: fundamental , rudimentary ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.