Existing beneath or forming the basis of something; fundamental or basic to a situation or concept.
Compound of 'under' and 'lying' (present participle of lie), literally meaning 'lying beneath'. The figurative sense of 'fundamental' or 'basic' developed by the 16th century, extending the physical concept to abstract ideas.
This word perfectly captures how English creates abstract concepts from concrete spatial relationships. What started as a simple description of physical position became essential for discussing hidden causes, fundamental principles, and deep structures in everything from psychology to economics.
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