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

Even when times were tougher, such as the 2020-21 campaign, Liverpool were still able to rely on a steady supply of set piece goals, ranking third in the Premier League and with similar underlying numbers. —Andy Jones, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

The patient, who hasn't been identified, is over 65 years old and has underlying health problems. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

Having Recurrent Blockages Having recurrent blockages may be a sign of an untreated infection, physical factor, or underlying medical condition. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2024

While a basketball-playing robot might seem like a novelty, the underlying technology has far-reaching implications. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 27 Dec. 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