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

Justices will hear a case surrounding three lower courts that stalled his efforts to curtail birthright citizenship, but the underlying question will be more closely tied to whether the justices have an appetite to rein in lower courts’ abilities to enjoin presidential policies universally. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025

The underlying data looks more solid, as the White House was quick to point out. —Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025

His numbers — both in terms of counting stats and underlying metrics — are acceptable for someone with a $5.625 million cap hit. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Yet, as businesses grow and get more complex, the underlying risks evolve and increase. —Ryan Weissmueller, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

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