underpin
To support from below with props or masonryTo support from below with props or masonry.
» Mutual respect must underpin any healthy society.
Meaning
2 senses(transitive)To support from below with props or masonry.
You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.
untermauern, stützen
укреплятьukrepljatʹ, усиливатьusilivatʹ
support from beneath
(figuratively, transitive)To give support to; to form a basis of; to corroborate.
Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.
unterstützen, stützen, untermauern
подде́рживатьpoddérživatʹ
Examples
4 sentencesMutual respect must underpin any healthy society.
Tom needs to underpin his house as it's subsiding.
Biology is a fundamental science that underpins many other fields of study.
It's not just Trump; it's the entire philosophy that underpins the—I'm going to say something, it's like semi-fascism.
Translations
7 languagesBy meaning 2
By meaning 2
Forms
underpins, underpinning, underpinned, underpinned| Base form | underpin · to underpin |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | underpins |
| Present participle | underpinning |
| Past simple | underpinned |
| Past participle | underpinned |
regular · Lesson
Synonyms
4 synonyms- support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm:corroboratebear outsupport
Word family
1 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle