Definition

A material placed underneath flooring to provide support, insulation, or moisture protection.

Example

The contractor installed an underlayment before laying the hardwood floor.

Conversation

I just finished installing the new flooring in my living room.

That sounds great! Did you use any underlayment underneath it?

Yes, I did! It really helps with insulation and noise reduction.

That's smart; I should consider that for my place too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underlayment → It is formed from "under" (from Old English "under", meaning beneath) and "lay" (from Old English "leah", meaning to place or put down) combined with the suffix "-ment" (meaning the action or result of). The word refers to a material placed beneath another layer, typically in construction or flooring.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'placed down' ('lay') 'beneath' ('under') another layer — that's what underlayment means.

Visually Confused Words