underpinning - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

underpinning

|un-der-pin-ning|

🇺🇸

/ˈʌndərˌpɪnɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ/

(underpin)

foundation or support

Base Form	Plural	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle	Noun
underpin	underpinnings	underpins	underpinned	underpinned	underpinning	underpinning

Etymology

Etymology Information

'underpinning' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'underpinnen,' where 'under-' meant 'beneath' and 'pinnen' meant 'to fasten.'

Historical Evolution

'underpinnen' transformed into the modern English word 'underpinning' through gradual linguistic evolution.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to fasten beneath,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'foundation or support.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a solid foundation or basis for something.

The underpinning of the theory is sound.

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Antonyms

Noun 2

a system of supports beneath a wall or building.

The underpinning of the old building was reinforced.

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Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42