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

Kluck’s program provides a workshop where students do activities and play games to help build self-confidence, bond with each other and brainstorm how to solve problems and understand the underlying causes of violence. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 21 June 2024

Yafai sees this as a big issue—particularly in regard to edibles—because age and underlying health conditions can influence what's considered a safe dosage. —Korin Miller, Health, 20 June 2024

The figure doesn't include deaths in which heat was a contributing factor rather than an underlying cause. —NBC News, 18 June 2024

Heat poses a particular threat to children, pregnant people, elderly people and people with underlying health conditions, as well as outdoor workers, low-income populations and communities of color. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 18 June 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