underlie

verb

un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī 

underlay ˌən-dər-ˈlā  ; underlain ˌən-dər-ˈlān  ; underlying ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to lie or be situated under

2

: to be at the basis of : form the foundation of : support

ideas underlying the revolution

3

: to exist as a claim or security superior and prior to (another)

4

archaic : to be subject or amenable to

Examples of underlie in a Sentence

A tile floor underlies the rug.

The river is underlain by limestone.

We discussed the principles that underlay their methods.

A theme of revenge underlies much of her writing.

Recent Examples on the Web

The company identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting, related to the completeness and accuracy of underlying data and the precision level used in management review controls. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

The result of this is that Wynn reportedly expects gross gaming revenue of $1 billion to $1.66 billion, operating revenue of $1.375 billion to $1.875 billion, and adjusted underlying income from the property of $500 million to $800 million, implying 26% to 43% margins. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Based on the system's underlying principle, Harris is set to claim the White House. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Imbalanced ferritin levels can be a sign of an underlying health condition.14 How Is Ferritin Tested? —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Kids Definition

underlie

verb

un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī 

underlay -ˈlā  ; underlain -ˈlān  ; underlying -ˈlī-iŋ 

1

: to lie or be located under

2

: to form the foundation of : support

ideas underlying the revolt