underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī 
underlay
ˌən-dər-ˈlā
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
Examples of underlie in a Sentence
A tile floor underlies the rug.
The river is underlain by limestone.
We discussed the principles that underlay their methods.
A theme of revenge underlies much of her writing.
Recent Examples on the Web
None had any significant underlying medical conditions.
—
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
Their underlying emotional driver is financial security for themselves and their family.
—Mary Clements Evans, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
The guidance also supports vaccination for older children with underlying health conditions or at parental discretion.
Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP's infectious diseases committee, acknowledged the potential for confusion but emphasized the need to prioritize pediatric health.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Critically, more than half of children aged 6 months to 23 months who are hospitalized for COVID-19 have no underlying medical condition that puts them at high risk for severe infection.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
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Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
Their underlying emotional driver is financial security for themselves and their family.
—Mary Clements Evans, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
The guidance also supports vaccination for older children with underlying health conditions or at parental discretion.
Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP's infectious diseases committee, acknowledged the potential for confusion but emphasized the need to prioritize pediatric health.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Critically, more than half of children aged 6 months to 23 months who are hospitalized for COVID-19 have no underlying medical condition that puts them at high risk for severe infection.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt
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