underlie

Word parts

under- + lie

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ʌndər'laɪ/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form underlie

Third-person singular underlies

Past tense 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.