Search Result for "underlying": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (3)

1. in the nature of something though not readily apparent;
- Example: "shortcomings inherent in our approach"
- Example: "an underlying meaning"
[syn: implicit in(p), inherent, underlying]

2. located beneath or below;

3. being or involving basic facts or principles;
- Example: "the fundamental laws of the universe"
- Example: "a fundamental incomatibility between them"
- Example: "these rudimentary truths"
- Example: "underlying principles"
[syn: fundamental, rudimentary, underlying]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

underlying \un`der*ly"ing\, a.
   1. Lying under or beneath; as, the underlying strata of a
      locality.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Hence: Fundamental; basic; as, underlying principles;
      underlying causes.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

   3. Implicit; not immediately obvious; requiring careful
      scrutiny to discover; as, the underlying sarcasm in her
      seemingly innocuous remark..
      [PJC]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

underlying
    adj 1: in the nature of something though not readily apparent;
           "shortcomings inherent in our approach"; "an underlying
           meaning" [syn: implicit in(p), inherent,
           underlying]
    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,
       underlying]