underlie
verb (used with object)
to lie under or beneath; be situated under.
have underlain
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present perfectof underlie.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
Again, they say, “Where there is life there is hope,” but hope is of the essence of God, for it is faith and hope that have underlain all evolution.
From The Note-Books of Samuel Butler by Samuel Butler
It did not escape Carlen's, and she fell into a reverie of wondering what possible double meaning could have underlain his words.
From Between Whiles by Helen Hunt Jackson
A consciousness of this may have underlain the remarkable terms in which this grievous restriction was imparted to the United States Government, as evincing the singular indulgence of Great Britain.
From Sea Power in its Relations to the War of 1812 Volume 1 by A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan
"Adieu, M. Berthaud—for the present," he said; and had he not seemed too proud to threaten, a threat might have underlain his words.
From In Kings' Byways by Stanley John Weyman
