Word Games Pro Dictionary

underlying

verb noun adjective

To lie in a position directly beneath.

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
10
Starts with
U
Ends with
G
Contains
ND
Scrabble score
15

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Audio Pronunciation

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Meaning

Definitions

verb

  1. To lie in a position directly beneath.

  2. To lie under or beneath.

    “A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.”

  3. To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.

    “a doctrine underlying a theory”

  4. To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.

  5. To underlay.

noun

  1. The entity from whose performance a derivative derives its value.

adjective

  1. Lying underneath

    “We dug down to the underlying rock.”

  2. Basic or fundamental

    “Points and straight lines are underlying elements of geometry.”

  3. Implicit

    “Many nursery rhymes have an underlying meaning.”

In context

Example Sentences

A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.
a doctrine underlying a theory
We dug down to the underlying rock.
Points and straight lines are underlying elements of geometry.
Many nursery rhymes have an underlying meaning.
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