Meaning of underlying

[Hook]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #31 "Letter Writing (3)", question 4

Perhaps I should explain the ......... reason for working in a restaurant as a waiter in preparation for a marketing job.

(a) underground
(b) undercover
(c) understanding
(d) underlying

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #31 "Letter Writing (3)", answer 4

Perhaps I should explain the underlying reason for working in a restaurant as a waiter in preparation for a marketing job.

Correct answer: (d) underlying

Your answer was: correct
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Hi, How would you explain "underlying" in this sentence? Thnk you

Hook

[Alan]

Hi,

Underlying as used in the sentence has the sense of fundamental or basic. An underlying reason is literally the reason that lies at the bottom/base of an action or argument. It is used in the sense of not just knowing why something happens but also what lies behind why it actually happens.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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