underlying

Definitions

Located beneath or below something else.

Fundamental or basic in nature; forming the basis of a system or process.

Present but not immediately obvious or explicitly stated.

Examples

The underlying cause of the problem remains unknown.

We need to address the underlying issues before moving forward with the project.

There is an underlying sense of tension in the room.

Synonyms

fundamental basic essential primary root inherent latent

Antonyms

superficial obvious apparent external secondary manifest evident