underlie

[uhn-der-lahy]

verb (used with object)

underlay, underlain, underlying. 

1. to lie under or beneath; be situated under.

2. to be at the basis of; form the foundation of.

3. Grammar.,  to function as the root morpheme or original or basic form of (a derived form).

   The form “boy” underlies “boyish.”

4. Finance.,  to be primary to another right or security.

underlie

/ ˌʌndəˈlaɪ /

verb

1. to lie or be placed under or beneath

2. to be the foundation, cause, or basis of

   careful planning underlies all our decisions

3. finance to take priority over (another claim, liability, mortgage, etc)

   a first mortgage underlies a second

4. to be the root or stem from which (a word) is derived

   "happy" underlies "happiest"

Other Word Forms

• underlier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underlie¹

before 900; Middle English underlyen (v.), Old English underlicgan. See under-, lie ²

Example Sentences

"Sponsorship creates an aura of credibility, even when the underlying project is opaque," she told the BBC - saying this meant fans and supporters should be "very cautious".

Read more on BBC

Some chart watchers even consider some overbought readings as depicting an ability rather than a condition — the ability to become overbought is a sign of underlying strength.

Read more on MarketWatch

Cryptocurrency fundamentally lacks intrinsic value, resembling collectibles in that prices derive solely from speculation rather than underlying enterprise value, dividends, or measurable economic contribution.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms in these conditions, after which spermine-based treatments could become realistic options.

Read more on Science Daily

Still, it has enough underlying nuances to warrant two acts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• control 
• curb 
• decide 
• determine 
• dominate 
• guide 
• handle 
• inhibit 
• manage 
• regulate 
• rule