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
Many conflicts, including those raging today—think of Gaza, for instance—have this underlying subtext.
—
Adam Hochschild, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2024
However, the underlying fear of crossing into Russian airspace should be noted.
—Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2024
Despite Israel’s victory, the 1967 war simply reinforced the underlying tensions that had long driven the Arab-Israeli conflict.
—Tom Segev, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
These are some of the underlying fundamentals of this contest, without factoring in the campaign itself; the issues, events and developments that will shape it; and the performance of the candidates.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024
Statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.
—Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2024
That simultaneously reduces flooding and recharges the underlying aquifers, which can then be tapped into in times of need.
—Matt Simon, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024
The science of testing drugs to target aging is rapidly advancing, and metformin isn't the only medicine that may treat the underlying biology.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024
This could mean reaching out to a health expert, like a therapist or counselor, who can offer help with underlying issues and suggest ways to boost self-esteem.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Adam Hochschild, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2024
However, the underlying fear of crossing into Russian airspace should be noted.
—Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2024
Despite Israel’s victory, the 1967 war simply reinforced the underlying tensions that had long driven the Arab-Israeli conflict.
—Tom Segev, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
These are some of the underlying fundamentals of this contest, without factoring in the campaign itself; the issues, events and developments that will shape it; and the performance of the candidates.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024
Statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.
—Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2024
That simultaneously reduces flooding and recharges the underlying aquifers, which can then be tapped into in times of need.
—Matt Simon, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024
The science of testing drugs to target aging is rapidly advancing, and metformin isn't the only medicine that may treat the underlying biology.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024
This could mean reaching out to a health expert, like a therapist or counselor, who can offer help with underlying issues and suggest ways to boost self-esteem.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underlie.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underlie
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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 revolution
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