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

The underlying songwriting is impulsive, but many tracks adopt a deliberately sedate mood or sort through dense clusters of cut-up loops, and Alfa’s spatialization gives the album a pallor that can resemble brain fog. —H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026

Critics counter that speculation can amplify volatility and disconnect prices from underlying demand. —Yun Li, CNBC, 16 June 2026

Though Grella has taken the arrows from Australian press and former players, his underlying reasoning is widely shared. —Tom Bogert, New York Times, 16 June 2026

But economists have been taking comfort in an underlying inflation measure that strips out food and energy prices. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for underlie

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

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