underlie

/ˌʌn.də(ɹ)ˈlaɪ/

verb

  1. 1

    To lie in a position directly beneath.

  2. 2

    To lie under or beneath.

    A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.
  3. 3

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

    a doctrine underlying a theory
  4. 4

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

  5. 5

    To underlay.

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