English dictionary
underlying
verbParts of speech
Definitions
verb
- To lie in a position directly beneath.
- To lie under or beneath.
- To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.
- To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.
- To underlay.
noun
- The entity from whose performance a derivative derives its value.
adjective
- Lying underneath
- Basic or fundamental
- Implicit
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.