大学英语：underlying adj. 在下面的;根本的;潜在的

　　1)There are underlying similarities between all human beings.　(人与人之间有着潜在的相似之处。)

　　2)The underlying theme of the novel is very serious. (这本小说的潜在主题是极其严肃的。)

　　3)Can you understand the underlying meaning of what he said?　(你能理解他所说的话的含义吗?)

　　4)The underlying structure of this building is no doubt very firm. (这座楼的底层结构无疑是牢固的。)

　　11.motive n. reason， purpose (动机，目的)

　　1)Greed was his only motive for receiving bribery. (贪婪是他受贿的唯一原因。)

　　2)His motive in coming was a wish to achieve mutual understanding. (他来的动机是想达成相互理解。)

　　3)The little boy opened his sister's mail through motives of curiosity. (那个小男孩出于好奇打开了姐姐的邮件。)

　　4)You should question his motive before you approve his conduct. (在你赞同他的所作所为之前应该先质询他的动机。)