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Definition of underlyingly

underlyingly

/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋli/
un · der · ly · ing · ly
Adjective:underlying
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underlyingly Lexical Profile

underlyingly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

At a fundamental, basic, or root level beneath outward appearances.

Example

"Although the two political factions disagree on specific policies, they are underlyingly motivated by the same economic anxieties."

2

In generative linguistics, at the abstract level of deep structure or phonological representation prior to the application of surface rules.

Example

"In this dialect, the final consonant is deleted in casual speech even though it remains present underlyingly."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Primarily used in theoretical linguistics (especially phonology and syntax) to contrast an abstract deep representation with how a form is realized on the surface.

• Rhymes for underlyingly

• Nearby Words

underlip
underlit
underlying
underlyingly
undermanned
undermentioned
undermine

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Underlyingly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/underlyingly
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