underlie
underlie Lexical Profile
underlie Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To serve as the fundamental basis, cause, or foundation of a concept, policy, or phenomenon.
"Economic inequality and a lack of educational opportunities often underlie social unrest."
To be situated directly beneath something else, especially of a geological stratum or physical layer.
"Thick beds of porous limestone underlie the fertile topsoil across much of the valley."
Word Nuance & Usage
Because 'underlie' is conjugated like the irregular verb 'lie' (to recline), its past tense is 'underlay' and its past participle is 'underlain'; it should not be confused with the regular verb 'underlay' (past tense 'underlaid'), which means to place something underneath as a support.
• Rhymes for underlie
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'underlicgan', meaning 'to lie under or be subject to', formed from the prefix 'under-' and 'licgan' (to lie).