UNDERPIN Meaning and
Definition
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Underpin is a transitive verb that means to provide a firm foundation or support for something, either literally or figuratively. In a literal sense, underpin refers to the act of reinforcing or strengthening the foundation of a building or structure to ensure its stability. This can be achieved by adding additional materials or supports to the existing foundation. By underpinning a structure, its overall integrity is improved, making it more secure and less susceptible to collapse or damage.
In a figurative sense, underpin relates to providing a solid and reliable basis or support for an idea, theory, argument, or concept. It entails supplying evidence, facts, or logical reasoning to substantiate and validate a claim or belief. Underpinning in this context often involves conducting research, providing examples, or presenting empirical data to strengthen and bolster the validity of an assertion.
Overall, whether applied to a physical structure or an abstract concept, underpin encapsulates the act of fortifying a foundation or basis to ensure stability, reliability, and resilience. It implies reinforcing something to make it more substantial and secure, providing a solid and unyielding base upon which other elements can rely or be built upon. By underpinning, the essential support and strength necessary for something to function or sustain itself are established.
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To lay stones under, as a building or wall on which it is to rest; to prop; to support by some solid foundation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for UNDERPIN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for UNDERPIN
Etymology of UNDERPIN
The word "underpin" can be traced back to Middle English, where it originated from two different elements:
1. "Under-" - This prefix is derived from the Old English word "under" meaning "beneath" or "lower in position". It indicates a sense of inferiority, support, or subordination.
2. "Pin" - Originally meaning a "projecting point" or "peg", it comes from the Old English word "pinn" or "pinnian", ultimately originating from the Latin word "pinna" meaning "pin" or "peg".
Combining these two elements, "underpin" was formed, and it meant to support, strengthen, or reinforce by providing a foundation or base beneath something. Eventually, the word expanded its usage to include metaphorical meanings, such as providing a logical or theoretical basis for an argument or idea.
Similar spelling words for UNDERPIN
- underskirt,
- underhanded,
- undercover,
- undercut,
- underspent,
- undergird,
- undershrub,
- unadorned,
- undoer,
- underrating,
- underground,
- underexpose,
- underslung,
- underfur,
- undersea,
- underage,
- underhung,
- undersign,
- underdone,
- underneath,
- underlying,
- undersoil,
- underdog,
- underpass,
- underbid,
- underpay,
- undermanned,
- undermine,
- underway,
- under arms,
- undertaking,
- underwriter,
- underworld,
- underpants,
- underspend,
- underplay,
- undertow,
- underfed,
- under,
- underwrite,
- untier,
- underling,
- underlie,
- under it,
- underhand,
- underact,
- undergo,
- underarm,
- undertaker,
- under fire,
- underweight,
- underline,
- underwear,
- undershirt,
- under wraps,
- underwater,
- underwing,
- undertone,
- underprice,
- underlay,
- underpart,
- understand,
- underdown.
Conjugate verb Underpin
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have underpinned
you
would have underpinned
he/she/it
would have underpinned
we
would have underpinned
they
would have underpinned
I
would have underpin
you
would have underpin
he/she/it
would have underpin
we
would have underpin
they
would have underpin
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been underpinning
you
would have been underpinning
he/she/it
would have been underpinning
we
would have been underpinning
they
would have been underpinning
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would underpin
you
would underpin
he/she/it
would underpin
we
would underpin
they
would underpin
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be underpinning
you
would be underpinning
he/she/it
would be underpinning
we
would be underpinning
they
would be underpinning
FUTURE
I
will underpin
you
will underpin
he/she/it
will underpin
we
will underpin
they
will underpin
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be underpinning
you
will be underpinning
he/she/it
will be underpinning
we
will be underpinning
they
will be underpinning
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have underpinned
you
will have underpinned
he/she/it
will have underpinned
we
will have underpinned
they
will have underpinned
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been underpinning
you
will have been underpinning
he/she/it
will have been underpinning
we
will have been underpinning
they
will have been underpinning
IMPERATIVE
you
underpin
we
let´s underpin
to underpin
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was underpinning
you
were underpinning
he/she/it
was underpinning
we
were underpinning
they
were underpinning
PAST PARTICIPLE
underpinned
PAST PERFECT
I
had underpinned
you
had underpinned
he/she/it
had underpinned
we
had underpinned
they
had underpinned
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been underpinning
you
had been underpinning
he/she/it
had been underpinning
we
had been underpinning
they
had been underpinning
PRESENT
I
underpin
you
underpin
he/she/it
underpins
we
underpin
they
underpin
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am underpinning
you
are underpinning
he/she/it
is underpinning
we
are underpinning
they
are underpinning
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
underpinning
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have underpinned
you
have underpinned
he/she/it
has underpinned
we
have underpinned
they
have underpinned
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been underpinning
you
have been underpinning
he/she/it
has been underpinning
we
have been underpinning
they
have been underpinning
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
underpin
SIMPLE PAST
I
underpinned
you
underpinned
he/she/it
underpinned
we
underpinned
they
underpinned
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