underlying

/ˌʌndəlˈa‍ɪɪŋ/

/ˌəndɝˈɫaɪɪŋ/

[adjective]

underlying

[ADJECTIVE]

important but not very obvious or noticeable

synonyms : implicit in(p)

inherent

being or involving basic facts or principles

synonyms : fundamental

rudimentary

located beneath or below

Examples

1. The dentist took an X-ray of my teeth to check for any underlying issues.

2. The politician acknowledged that extremes meet, and that the most polarized political views often shared underlying fears and concerns about the future.

3. The detective knew that it needs a hundred lies to cover a single lie, so he focused his investigation on inconsistencies in the suspect's story to reveal the underlying falsehood.

4. "In a relationship, beware of a silent dog and still water, as they may indicate underlying issues or unexpressed emotions that can lead to conflict," said the couples therapist during the counseling session.