underpin

American  

[uhn-der-pin] / ˌʌn dərˈpɪn /

verb (used with object)

underpinned, underpinning

1. to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.

2. to replace or strengthen the foundation of (a building or the like).

3. to furnish a foundation for; corroborate.

   The author's conclusions are underpinned by references to experimental findings.

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underpin British  

/ ˌʌndəˈpɪn /

verb

1. to support from beneath, esp by a prop, while avoiding damaging or weakening the superstructure

   to underpin a wall

2. to give corroboration, strength, or support to

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Etymology

Origin of underpin

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin

Example Sentences

By restoring deference to informed business judgment while reinforcing clearer doctrinal boundaries, Delaware has moved to re-establish the balance that long underpinned confidence in incentives, leadership stability, and predictable rules.

From Barron's

“That said, we think that the rallies are hard to justify, and the current market dynamics could easily underpin rapid price falls were such interest to evaporate.”

From Barron's

“What underpins our continued overweight to gold miners is the market’s under-appreciation of how current gold prices are translating into materially stronger free cash flow,” says Li.

From The Wall Street Journal

At least 5% of global trade flows through the Panama Canal, underpinning the country’s prosperity relative to its neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The president called the order “final and conclusive” but didn’t detail which legal authority would underpin the tariffs, and no executive actions on the matter were immediately posted on the White House website.

From The Wall Street Journal