English Lexicon

Underlying Concept

/ˈʌndərˌlaɪɪŋ ˈkɒnˌsɛpt/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A fundamental idea or principle that serves as the basis for a theory or system.

    "The underlying concept of democracy is the belief in the power of the people."
  2. 2

    An idea that is not immediately obvious but is essential for understanding a broader topic.

    "To grasp the underlying concept of the theory, one must first study its historical context."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'underlying' originates from the Old English 'underlicgan', meaning to lie beneath, while 'concept' comes from the Latin 'conceptus', meaning something conceived. The combination reflects the notion of a foundational idea that supports or informs other ideas.

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