un
der
lie
Third Person
underlies
Present Participle
underlying
Past Tense
underlay
Past Participle
underlain
1
to serve as the foundation or primary cause for something
transitive
- Cultural traditions underlie many of the festivals and celebrations we see around the world.
- Historical events underlie the national holidays of many countries.
- A commitment to excellence underlies the company's global success.
- The principles of fairness underlie the new policy changes.
- Economic factors underlie the recent fluctuations in the stock market.
2
to be positioned below or beneath something
transitive
- Coral reefs underlie the clear blue waters, home to a diverse marine ecosystem.
- Layers of ash underlie the soil, evidence of ancient volcanic activity.
- Old city infrastructures underlie the modern streets, showing the evolution of urban planning.