underlie

American  

[uhn-der-lahy] / ˌʌn dərˈlaɪ /

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.

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underlie British  

/ 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"

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Other Word Forms

• underlier noun

Etymology

Origin of underlie

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

Example Sentences

Although these applications remain far off, the underlying biology is becoming clearer.

From Science Daily

In each instance, despite her pain, Davis forgave him, trusting in the underlying strength of their bond.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement late Monday, the Danish renewable energy company said a judge had granted a preliminary injunction that allows the Revolution Wind project to restart immediately, while underlying lawsuits challenging the orders progress.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a one-page order, Lamberth wrote that Revolution Wind was likely to succeed in underlying litigation, faced "irreparable harm" without an injunction and the venture's request was "in the public interest."

From Barron's

By understanding the underlying rules that govern these patterns, scientists may eventually be able to predict where complex spin textures will form before making the material.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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