Underlie

Pronunciation: /ʌndərˈlaɪ/

Definitions of underlie

verb to be the cause or basis of something, to lie or be situated under something

Example Sentences

A1 Basic scientific principles underlie many everyday activities.

A2 Cultural traditions often underlie the way people celebrate holidays.

B1 Emotional issues may underlie some cases of chronic pain.

B2 Historical conflicts underlie the current political tensions in the region.

C1 Complex societal factors underlie the rise of populism in modern democracies.

C2 Deep-rooted psychological issues may underlie certain behavioral patterns.

Examples of underlie in a Sentence

formal The principles of economics underlie the foundation of modern society.

informal The importance of communication skills underlie the success of any relationship.

slang The rumors circulating around the school underlie the drama happening between students.

figurative The deep-rooted emotions of fear and insecurity underlie her tough exterior.

Grammatical Forms of underlie

• past tense: underlay
• plural: underlie
• comparative: more underlying
• superlative: most underlying
• present tense: underlies
• future tense: will underlie
• perfect tense: has underlain
• continuous tense: is underlying
• singular: underlies
• positive degree: underlie
• infinitive: to underlie
• gerund: underlying
• participle: underlain

Origin and Evolution of underlie

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'underlie' originated from Old English 'underlicgan' which means 'to be situated under'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'underlie' has evolved to also mean 'to form the basis or foundation of something' in addition to its original meaning of being situated under something.