English vocabulary · C1
Underpin
/ˌʌndərˈpɪn/ · v.
Underpin means to carry the weight of something from below. It can mean the strong cause behind an idea.
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Example sentences
- New beams underpin the wall.
- Hard facts underpin her argument.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- under — below (from Old English)
- pin — fasten (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- SUPPORT — to hold up or help (Holding Something Steady)
- BACK — to give support to (Standing Behind Someone)
- REINFORCE — to make something stronger (Making It Stronger)
Words with the same root
pin — fasten
- pin — a thin metal fastener
- pinpoint — to find the exact spot
Lesson notes
Underpin means to carry the weight of something from below. It can mean the strong cause behind an idea.
Related: support, back, reinforce. Use underpin when one thing needs a strong base.
New beams underpin the wall. Hard facts underpin her argument.
From Old English. Under- means below. Pin- means fasten. Below, holding everything up, that is underpin.