underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
underpinned; underpinning; underpins

transitive verb

1
: support, substantiate
underpin a thesis with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
underpin a sagging building

Examples of underpin in a Sentence

a wall underpinned by metal beams the central beliefs that underpin a free society
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To underpin its plans, BYD has established partnerships with upscale dealers such as Louwman Group in the Netherlands, which usually sells Mercedes and Lexus models. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Asia, 28 Oct. 2024 But Al Jaber also flagged the huge power demands of AI and the datacenters underpinning it, which in his opinion gives oil majors an incentive to invest in renewables. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism. Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 It was first conceived in 1957 by Pennsylvania's C. Walton Musser, a wonderfully creative inventor with patents on everything from power steering systems, recoilless rifles and pneumatic life jacket inflators, through to many key ideas underpinning jet aircraft ejection seats. New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underpin 

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpin was in 1522

Dictionary Entries Near underpin

Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

underpin

verb
un·​der·​pin -ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on underpin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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