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
How To Play 'Connections' Connections tasks players with sorting 16 words into four distinct categories based on their underlying relationships.
—
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
The discourse that followed ostensibly surrounded the question of who restaurants are for, but underlying that was a different question altogether: What are restaurants for?
—Amiel Stanek, Bon Appétit, 17 Mar. 2025
Those underlying sequences in exhibition games like Sunday’s can provide a glimpse of what could be on the horizon for the Cubs.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Content must establish relevance not just to specific search terms, but to the concept underlying a query.
—Kiri Masters, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
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Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
The discourse that followed ostensibly surrounded the question of who restaurants are for, but underlying that was a different question altogether: What are restaurants for?
—Amiel Stanek, Bon Appétit, 17 Mar. 2025
Those underlying sequences in exhibition games like Sunday’s can provide a glimpse of what could be on the horizon for the Cubs.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Content must establish relevance not just to specific search terms, but to the concept underlying a query.
—Kiri Masters, Forbes, 14 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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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