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
The first step is a medical evaluation to rule out underlying health conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to autism.
—
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
The Texas health department reported more than 540 measles cases, according to the state’s health department, which confirmed that two unvaccinated children with no underlying health conditions have died from the illness, including an 8-year-old girl.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
If immune system function is affected by underlying conditions, such as thyroid issues, infections, and autoimmunity, then drainage alone may not address the root cause.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
Not all blindness can be prevented, but several lifestyle modifications can greatly reduce your chances of developing the underlying conditions that cause blindness.21
Types of Blindness
There are several types of blindness, each of which describe forms of total or severe vision loss.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
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Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
The Texas health department reported more than 540 measles cases, according to the state’s health department, which confirmed that two unvaccinated children with no underlying health conditions have died from the illness, including an 8-year-old girl.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
If immune system function is affected by underlying conditions, such as thyroid issues, infections, and autoimmunity, then drainage alone may not address the root cause.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
Not all blindness can be prevented, but several lifestyle modifications can greatly reduce your chances of developing the underlying conditions that cause blindness.21
Types of Blindness
There are several types of blindness, each of which describe forms of total or severe vision loss.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 19 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 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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