underlie

[ uhn-der-lahy ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·lay, un·der·lain, un·der·ly·ing.

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"

Derived Forms

• ˈunderˌlier, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underlie¹

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

Example Sentences

Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, scientists think that some of the hallmarks of diabetes -- such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation -- may encourage the development of dementia in the brain.

From Science Daily

The figures are rounded to the nearest 50,000, with Kendall adding this meant "small variations" in the underlying numbers could "lead to much larger changes in the rounded headline numbers".

From BBC

"Anger is often a secondary emotion or a response to underlying feelings," Clark said.

From Science Daily

Kendall said this meant "small variations in the underlying numbers impacted can lead to much larger changes in the rounded headline numbers".

From BBC

The mechanisms underlying skin renewal are still poorly understood.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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