underpin
Form foundation for
To underpin something is to support it from below—literally or figuratively.
A foundation underpins a building; evidence underpins an argument.
The word implies structural support that isn't always visible: Sound research underpins the entire study.
What underpins something is essential to its stability, even if hidden from view.
Architectural wall reinforcement
- bolsterStrengthen or buttress
- reinforceAdd strength to something
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- shoreLand bordering water
prop · scaffold · anchor · secure · stabilize · fortify · strengthen · sustain
Underlying support or principle
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
- rationaleStated basis for action
- principleFundamental truth or standard
- theoryExplanatory set of principles
logic · reasoning · assumption · framework · tenet · doctrine · philosophy · ideology
buttress
Architectural wall reinforcement
- bolsterStrengthen or buttress
- reinforceAdd strength to something
- braceDevice providing structural stability
shore · prop · scaffold · anchor · secure · stabilize · fortify · strengthen · sustain · undergird
basis
Underlying support or principle
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
- rationaleStated basis for action
- principleFundamental truth or standard
theory · logic · reasoning · assumption · framework · tenet · doctrine · philosophy · ideology · justification
foundation
Underlying support structure
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
footing · infrastructure · pilings · footings · piers · abutment · framework · girders · columns · subfloor
underpinundermine
Weaken by stealth
weaken · destabilize · topple · collapse · erode
underpinundermine
Weaken by stealth
refute · disprove · contradict · invalidate · discredit
- philosophical underpinningsFoundational concepts and assumptions