underpinning
What supports above
Underpinning is the foundation or support beneath something.
In construction, underpinnings are the structural supports that hold up a building from below.
Figuratively, underpinnings are the basic ideas, facts, or conditions that support an argument, system, or belief: The theoretical underpinnings of her research were sound.
Often plural.
Underlying support or principle
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
principle · rationale · justification · assumption · axiom · tenet · postulate · framework
To uphold or sustain
- pilingStructural support column
- pileAccumulated mass of objects
- footingSecure ground position
- substructureSupporting base beneath
beam · column · pier · abutment · buttress · brace · prop · shoring
Increasing power or solidity
- bolsteringStrengthening or supporting
- bracingRefreshingly keen or stimulating
- shoringTemporary structural support
- buttressingSupporting from the side
stabilizing · fortifying · securing · supporting · propping · anchoring · consolidating · reinforcing
basis
Underlying support or principle
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
premise · principle · rationale · justification · assumption · axiom · tenet · postulate · framework · essence
support
To uphold or sustain
substructure · beam · column · pier · abutment · buttress · brace · prop · shoring · stanchion
strengthening
Increasing power or solidity
- bolsteringStrengthening or supporting
- bracingRefreshingly keen or stimulating
- shoringTemporary structural support
buttressing · stabilizing · fortifying · securing · supporting · propping · anchoring · consolidating · reinforcing · undergirding
- fundamentalsbasics, essentials, ABCs, rudiments, bedrock
- getting startedgetting started, start, begin, first steps, basics
- foundationsfoundations, base, footing, footings, footer
- Mobile Homesmobile homes, manufactured homes, double-wide, single-wide, trailer homes
- structural supportsbeams, posts, columns, scaffold, girders
- reinforcingreinforcing, strengthening, supporting, bolstering, shoring
underpinningapex
Uppermost point or culmination
pinnacle · acme · crown · superstructure · summit
underpinningundermining
Weakening by covert means
weakening · destabilization · erosion · sabotage · subversion
underpinningsuperficiality
Absence of meaningful depth
ornamentation · embellishment · window dressing · veneer · trappings
- philosophical underpinningsFoundational concepts and assumptions