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Definition of underlying : Lying under or beneath; hence, fundamental; as, the underlying strata of a locality; underlying principles.

Synonyms:

radical, undetected, at a time, hidden, underwater, introductory, original, underground, basal, implicit in, inward, key, rudimental, vestigial, unobtrusive, for all, sheer, below, underfoot, underneath, elemental, inherent, profound, quantitative, ultimate, subterranean, unclear, discreet, subtle, lower, abecedarian, meat-and-potatoes, I/you/she etc. would never guess, even, implicit, unbalanced, subliminal, under, inexplicit, beneath, primal, cardinal, surface, all of something, essential, quantifiable, primitive, subjacent, central, primary, rudimentary, beginning

bottom, elementary, basic, base, foundational, lowest, fundamental

Usage examples:

• His part was that of the philosopher and artist- to watch and to record in the portrayal of his many characters the underlying principle of freedom, which was the guiding star in all his work.
• The underlying consideration is that anything may and should be entered which will be of value in preparing estimates or rendering the special reports for which the work sheet is to provide the basis. - "Sound Military Decision", U.s. Naval War College.
• It brought out his underlying character very well. - "The Mardi Gras Mystery", H. Bedford-Jones.