How to pronounce underlying
Say it like uhn-der-LY-ing. Underlying has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underlying. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- der
- LY
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underlying pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of underlying
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-duh-LY-ing.
What does underlying mean?
- in the nature of something though not readily apparent“shortcomings inherent in our approach”“an underlying meaning”
- located beneath or below
- being or involving basic facts or principles“the fundamental laws of the universe”“a fundamental incompatibility between them”
Where does underlying come from?
By surface analysis, underlie + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with underlying
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of underlying.
Questions about saying underlying
How do you pronounce underlying?
Say uhn-der-LY-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌndɚˈlaɪɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underlying?
Underlying has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LY). Broken into parts: uhn · der · LY · ing.
Is underlying pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/ (uhn-duh-LY-ing).