underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī 
underlay
ˌən-dər-ˈlā
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
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
In a recent review paper, our team summarized how chronic stress is a hidden but powerful factor underlying cognitive aging, or the speed at which your cognitive performance slows down with age.
—
Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Cox, which says ISPs shouldn't have to terminate customers based on unproven allegations of copyright infringement, has been seeking Supreme Court review of Sony's victory in the underlying lawsuit.
—ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
While information about Chicano culture has increased, those who are steadfast enough to withstand the stares and learn about the underlying values are the ones who last, Thao said.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
And some business and workplace experts say that even the companies that have announced DEI retreats are mostly making superficial and semantic changes, while remaining committed to the underlying goals of creating more opportunities for all workers.
—Maria Aspan, NPR, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
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Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Cox, which says ISPs shouldn't have to terminate customers based on unproven allegations of copyright infringement, has been seeking Supreme Court review of Sony's victory in the underlying lawsuit.
—ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
While information about Chicano culture has increased, those who are steadfast enough to withstand the stares and learn about the underlying values are the ones who last, Thao said.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
And some business and workplace experts say that even the companies that have announced DEI retreats are mostly making superficial and semantic changes, while remaining committed to the underlying goals of creating more opportunities for all workers.
—Maria Aspan, NPR, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt
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