underlie

verb

un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī How to pronounce underlie (audio)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of the three, county records indicate that only one, the 15-year-old, had other underlying medical conditions present at the time of death. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Regular vaccine updates are critical for renewing immunity and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025 To produce the 2025 JUST 100, the research spanned 17 core issues, 88 underlying data points, and five stakeholder groups: workers, communities, shareholders & governance, customers, and the environment. Cnbc.com Staff, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Moreover, people with serious underlying medical conditions should consider contacting their providers early. Katia Hetter, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for underlie 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of underlie was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near underlie

Cite this Entry

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

underlie

verb
un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī How to pronounce underlie (audio)
underlay -ˈlā How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlain -ˈlān How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlying -ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlie (audio)
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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