underpin
To support, justify, or form the basis for something
Examples
In a meeting
“Strong research underpins all of our strategic recommendations.”
Over coffee
“Trust and communication underpin any healthy relationship.”
Why this word
support
underpin implies forming the essential foundation or basis for something, while support is general assistance or backing
strengthen
underpin focuses on providing fundamental structural support, while strengthen means making more powerful generally
justify
underpin emphasizes providing foundational support or evidence, while justify means proving something right or reasonable
Usage tip
Use when describing the fundamental support or basis that makes something possible or valid
Etymology
English 'under' + 'pin,' literally to support from beneath
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Related words
supplement
To add something extra to enhance or complete something.
bolster
Strengthen or support
endorse
To publicly declare support or approval for something
proponent
A person who advocates for or supports something
reinforce
To strengthen or support something that already exists
subsidize
To financially support by paying part of the cost