underpin

[uhn-der-pin]

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.

underpin

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of underpin¹

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin

Example Sentences

It will take longer to thrash out the nuts and bolts that would need to underpin a complex agreement.

From BBC

Her family and personal experiences underpin her policy proposals: expanding hospital services for women's health, giving household support workers greater recognition, and improving care options for Japan's ageing society.

From BBC

Mr Haqqani notes that Saudi political, economic and military support has underpinned this reliance for decades.

From BBC

They said this would include auditing and inspecting the source code and recommendation system underpinning the app, and rebuilding it for US users using only US user data.

From BBC

It also says that foreign firms with "bids underpinned by low wages" will always beat UK shipyards on cost, but the social and economic value of Ferguson Marine to Inverclyde "is incalculable".

From BBC