underpin
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Pronunciation[edit]
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˌʌn.dəˈpɪn/
- (US) IPA(key): /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/, /ˈʌn.dɚˌpɪn/
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Audio (US) (file) Audio (US) (file)
Verb[edit]
underpin (third-person singular simple present underpins, present participle underpinning, simple past and past participle underpinned)
- (transitive) To support from below with props or masonry.
- You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.
- (transitive, figuratively) To give support to; to corroborate.
- Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.
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2016 October 24, Owen Gibson, “Is the unthinkable happening – are people finally switching the football off?”, in The Guardian[1], London:
- Since Rupert Murdoch famously bet the farm on Premier League football to rescue Sky TV in 1991, it has been the catnip that has underpinned subscriber loyalty and, even in a far more complicated media landscape, is seen as so vital as to be worth almost any price.
Translations[edit]
To support from below with props or masonry
To give support to