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Underpin vs Underly - What's the difference?

underpin | underly |

As verbs the difference between underpin and underly

is that underpin is to support from below with props or masonry while underly is .

As an adjective underly is

(dialectal) poor; inferior.

underpin

English

Verb

(underpinn)
  • To support from below with props or masonry.
    • You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.
  • (figuratively) To give support to; to corroborate.
    • Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.

    underly

    English

    Etymology 1

    From .

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (dialectal) Poor; inferior.

    • Etymology 2

    Verb

  • * 1967 , , The Politics of Experience and the Bird of Paradise
    • I asked him what principles he felt should underly the care provided during such a voyage.
    Related terms
    * underlied