underlie

Underlie is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ʌndəɻ'laɪ/

Verb

Plain form underlie

Third person singular underlies

Simple past underlay

Past participle underlain

Present participle underlying

1. (transitive) If $x$ underlies $y$, $x$ causes $y$; $x$ is the reason for $y$.

   Poor education underlies much of the crime and violence in our society.

2. (transitive) If $x$ underlies $y$, $x$ is the basis for $y$ or the most important part of $y$.

   The basic principle underlying the argument is that we can know what each of the parts is.