The underlying principle
Academic essay writing expression
直訳: The principle lying under
Use this to identify the fundamental rule that makes a complex system or argument function.
15秒でわかる
- The core logic or foundation of an idea.
- Used to explain the 'why' behind a complex system.
- Best for academic, professional, or deep intellectual discussions.
意味
The core idea or basic rule that supports a theory, system, or action. It is the hidden 'why' that makes everything else work.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a parenting style
The underlying principle of her parenting is to encourage independence.
The core rule of her parenting is to encourage independence.
Explaining a company policy
The underlying principle of our new policy is total transparency with clients.
The basic idea of our new policy is total transparency with clients.
Writing an academic essay
The underlying principle of this economic theory is that markets are self-correcting.
The fundamental rule of this economic theory is that markets are self-correcting.
文化的背景
This phrase is a staple of Western analytical thought, rooted in the Enlightenment's focus on logic and 'first principles.' It is highly valued in legal and scientific fields where identifying the root cause is essential for progress.
The 'Why' Test
If you can replace the phrase with 'The main reason why this works,' you are using it correctly!
Don't Overdo It
Using this in casual conversation can make you sound like you're giving a lecture. Save it for when you really want to impress.
15秒でわかる
- The core logic or foundation of an idea.
- Used to explain the 'why' behind a complex system.
- Best for academic, professional, or deep intellectual discussions.
What It Means
Think of a massive skyscraper. You see the glass and the steel. But you do not see the foundation deep in the dirt. The underlying principle is that foundation. It is the basic rule or logic that stays hidden. It supports the entire structure of an argument. It is the 'why' behind the 'what.' If you change this principle, the whole system falls down. It is the most important part of any complex idea.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to sound organized and deep. It helps you explain complicated things clearly. First, describe a situation or a rule. Then, point to the hidden logic. You can say, "The underlying principle here is fairness." It works beautifully in essays. It also works in serious work meetings. You are peeling back the layers. You are showing people what really matters. It makes you look like someone who sees the big picture.
When To Use It
Use it in academic essays to explain theories. It is perfect for business when discussing strategy. Use it during deep talks with friends about life. Maybe you are debating politics or ethics. It shows you have thought deeply about the topic. It is a 'big picture' phrase. Use it when you want to be persuasive and logical. It is great for clearing up confusion in a heated debate.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple, everyday things. Don't use it for your grocery list. "The underlying principle of my shopping is hunger" sounds very silly. Avoid it in very casual chats or gossip. If you are just joking around, it is too heavy. It can make you sound like a boring textbook. Use it sparingly. If you use it every five minutes, you will sound a bit pretentious. Nobody likes a know-it-all at a party!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a Western love of logic and science. In English-speaking cultures, we value "getting to the bottom" of things. We like to find the root cause. This reflects a scientific way of thinking. Even in law or art, we look for the base. It is about transparency and deep understanding. It suggests that nothing happens by accident. Everything has a reason if you look close enough.
Common Variations
You might hear people say the core principle. Some people prefer the fundamental tenet. In science, they often say the first principle. If you are being less formal, try the basic idea. Or even the logic behind it. All of these point to the same thing. They all look for the foundation. They all want to know what is really going on under the surface.
使い方のコツ
This is a high-level (C1) expression. It is most at home in formal writing or professional presentations. Using it correctly demonstrates a strong grasp of abstract English concepts.
The 'Why' Test
If you can replace the phrase with 'The main reason why this works,' you are using it correctly!
Don't Overdo It
Using this in casual conversation can make you sound like you're giving a lecture. Save it for when you really want to impress.
The Academic Secret
Professors love this phrase. Using it in the first paragraph of an essay often signals that you have a high level of English and critical thinking.
例文
6The underlying principle of her parenting is to encourage independence.
The core rule of her parenting is to encourage independence.
Shows the basic philosophy behind her actions.
The underlying principle of our new policy is total transparency with clients.
The basic idea of our new policy is total transparency with clients.
Explains the 'why' behind a business decision.
The underlying principle of this economic theory is that markets are self-correcting.
The fundamental rule of this economic theory is that markets are self-correcting.
Standard academic usage to define a theory's base.
I realized the underlying principle of our relationship was just convenience, not love.
I realized the basic truth of our relationship was just convenience.
Used to show deep personal realization.
I think the underlying principle of his cleaning habits is 'if I can't see the floor, it's fine.'
I think the basic logic of his cleaning is 'if I can't see the floor, it's fine.'
Uses a formal phrase for a silly situation for comedic effect.
Gravity is the underlying principle that governs the movement of the planets.
Gravity is the fundamental rule that governs the movement of the planets.
Describes a literal physical foundation.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the academic sentence.
The ___ principle of democracy is that every citizen has an equal voice.
`Underlying` is the standard adjective used with `principle` to describe a foundational idea.
Complete the sentence to explain a business strategy.
We need to identify the ___ principle before we change the marketing plan.
In business, you look for the `underlying principle` to understand the core strategy.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Spectrum
The basic idea
The basic idea is to have fun.
The logic behind it
The logic behind the rule is simple.
The underlying principle
The underlying principle is social equity.
The fundamental tenet
The fundamental tenet of the constitution.
Where to use 'The Underlying Principle'
University Essay
Analyzing a philosopher's work.
Boardroom Meeting
Discussing the company's core values.
Legal Debate
Arguing the intent of a law.
Deep Conversation
Talking about the meaning of life.
よくある質問
10 問They are close, but underlying principle is deeper. A main idea is what a book is about, while an underlying principle is the rule that makes the story's world work.
Yes, you can describe a person's underlying principle for living, like honesty or ambition. It describes their core motivation.
No, you can have underlying principles (plural) if there are several core rules. For example, 'The underlying principles of physics are complex.'
Not necessarily secret, just not obvious at first glance. It is 'under' the surface of the conversation or theory.
Yes! You can say 'The principle underlying this theory is...' It is a slightly more formal way to structure the sentence.
Yes, it is very common in American, British, and Australian English, especially in professional and academic settings.
Confusing principle with principal. Remember: a principle is a rule, while a principal is the head of a school!
Absolutely. Saying 'The underlying principle of my work ethic is reliability' sounds very professional.
Not at all. It is a timeless C1-level expression that shows sophistication and clarity of thought.
Yes. You can talk about the underlying principle of blockchain or AI to explain how the code actually works at a base level.
関連フレーズ
Core concept
Fundamental tenet
The bedrock of
First principles
The rationale behind
コメント (0)
ログインしてコメント無料で言語学習を始めよう
無料で始める