Word Games Pro Dictionary
underlie
verb
To lie in a position directly beneath.
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Word Facts
How it sounds
Pronunciation
/ˌʌn.də(ɹ)ˈlaɪ/ /ˌʌn.də(ɹ)ˈlaɪ/
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Audio Pronunciation
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Meaning
Definitions
verb
To lie in a position directly beneath.
To lie under or beneath.
“A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.”
To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.
“a doctrine underlying a theory”
To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.
To underlay.
In context
Example Sentences
A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.
a doctrine underlying a theory