UNDERPINNING Synonyms

• a central cohesive source of support and stability

• fortitude and determination

• the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord

• the part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved

• the part of a network that connects other networks together

• a relation that provides the foundation for something

• the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

• the most important or necessary part of something

• solid unweathered rock lying beneath surface deposits of soil

• principles from which other truths can be derived

• situated at the bottom or lowest position

• the lower side of anything

• the lowest part of anything

• the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

• the second half of an inning; while the home team is at bat

• a depression forming the ground under a body of water

• low-lying alluvial land near a river

• a cargo ship

• the lowest rank

• provide with a bottom or a seat

• strike the ground, as with a ship's bottom

• come to understand

• the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

• a stone in the exterior of a large and important building; usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies

• a stone at the outer corner of two intersecting masonry walls

• status with respect to the relations between people or groups

• a relation that provides the foundation for something

• a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

• the basis on which something is grounded

• an institution supported by an endowment

• lowest support of a structure

• education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge

• the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

• a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body

• the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new

• a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

• the underlying structure

• a structure supporting or containing something

• the pivot about which a lever turns

• the solid part of the earth's surface

• a rational motive for a belief or action

• the loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surface

• a relation that provides the foundation for something

• a position to be won or defended in battle (or as if in battle)

• the part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground

• material in the top layer of the surface of the earth in which plants can grow (especially with reference to its quality or use)

• a relatively homogeneous percept extending back of the figure on which attention is focused

• a connection between an electrical device and a large conducting body, such as the earth (which is taken to be at zero voltage)

• (art) the surface (as a wall or canvas) prepared to take the paint for a painting

• the first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface

• fix firmly and stably

• confine or restrict to the ground

• place or put on the ground

• instruct someone in the fundamentals of a subject

• bring to the ground

• hit or reach the ground

• throw to the ground in order to stop play and avoid being tackled behind the line of scrimmage

• (baseball) a hit that travels along the playing field.

• cover with a primer; apply a primer to

• connect to a ground

• use as a basis for; found on

• the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

• lowest support of a structure

• preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation

• the basic structure or features of a system or organization

• the stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area

• a support or foundation

• a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority)

• an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)

• a raised horizontal surface

• a document stating the aims and principles of a political party

• the combination of a particular computer and a particular operating system

• any military structure or vehicle bearing weapons

• a woman's shoe with a very high thick sole

• a long, flat raised structure of a railway station, where people get on and off of trains

• a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling

• any movable articles or objects used on the set of a play or movie

• a propeller that rotates to push against air

• support by placing against something solid or rigid

• something left after other parts have been taken away

• freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)

• a pause for relaxation

• a state of inaction

• euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)

• a support on which things can be put

• a musical notation indicating a silence of a specified duration

• not move; be in a resting position

• take a short break from one's activities in order to relax

• give a rest to

• have a place in relation to something else

• be at rest

• stay the same; remain in a certain state

• be inherent or innate in

• put something in a resting position, as for support or steadying

• sit, as on a branch

• rest on or as if on a pillow

• be inactive, refrain from acting

• continuing or remaining in a place or state

• the state of inactivity following an interruption

• a judicial order forbidding some action until an event occurs or the order is lifted

• a thin strip of metal or bone that is used to stiffen a garment (e.g. a corset)

• (nautical) brace consisting of a heavy rope or wire cable used as a support for a mast or spar

• stay the same; remain in a certain state

• stay put (in a certain place)

• dwell

• continue in a place, position, or situation

• remain behind

• stop or halt

• stay behind

• hang on during a trial of endurance

• stop a judicial process

• fasten with stays

• overcome or allay

• the basic structure or features of a system or organization

• lowest support of a structure

• establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts

• give evidence for

• support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm