What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hypostatic
Example
The patient's hypostatic condition required immediate medical attention. [hypostatic: adjective]
Example
The hypostatic union of Christ is a central doctrine in Christian theology. [hypostatic: adjective]
Example
The depression caused her to become hypostatic and uninterested in her usual activities. [hypostatic: adjective]
underlying
Example
The underlying issue with the project was a lack of communication between team members. [underlying: adjective]
Example
The underlying structure of the building needed to be reinforced for safety. [underlying: adjective]
Example
The underlying philosophy of the company was to prioritize customer satisfaction. [underlying: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underlying is more commonly used than hypostatic in everyday language, making it a more accessible word for ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hypostatic and underlying?
Hypostatic has a more clinical or technical connotation, making it more formal than underlying, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
