underlie
verb (used with object)
to lie under or beneath; be situated under.
are underlying
-
present progressiveof underlie.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“There are underlying tensions that do need to be addressed, and if left unaddressed, will continue to roil the world trading system,” said Robert Staiger, the WTO’s chief economist.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
The following screen highlights companies that have grown sales at a high clip while managing to improve their gross profit margins and operating margins, which are underlying measure of profitability.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026
This fluidity appears hard to understand, but there are underlying principles from the coaches that enable it to work without descending into chaos.
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
“There are underlying reasons why buildings will want this technology, but it’s a market that takes a long time.”
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 2, 2024
Difficulties assuredly there are, underlying not only faith, but all systems of knowledge.
From Education and the Higher Life by J. L. Spalding
