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
Some words are censored, while others are popularized through online memes and trends, meaning that the very structure underlying social media is responsible for rerouting our language in real time.
—
Adam Aleksic, People.com, 14 July 2025
Viewing it through the lens of corporate finance, one thing became disturbingly clear: the underlying business model of higher education is deeply flawed.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
But the dustup over the building renovation is just a superficial sign of the underlying tension between the administration and the central bank.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 14 July 2025
This shift could dismantle the Housing First model, which provides stable housing and support services without requiring individuals to resolve underlying issues first.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
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Adam Aleksic, People.com, 14 July 2025
Viewing it through the lens of corporate finance, one thing became disturbingly clear: the underlying business model of higher education is deeply flawed.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
But the dustup over the building renovation is just a superficial sign of the underlying tension between the administration and the central bank.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 14 July 2025
This shift could dismantle the Housing First model, which provides stable housing and support services without requiring individuals to resolve underlying issues first.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 July 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 19 Jul. 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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