underlie
//ˌʌndərˈlaɪ//
Verb
underlieInfinitive
underliePresent tense
underlayPast tense
underlainPast participle
underlyingPresent participle
underliesThird-person singular
1
To lie or be situated under something; to exist beneath.
A layer of clay underlies the sandy soil in this area.
2
To be the basis or foundation of something; to form the fundamental cause or support of.
A strong work ethic underlies her success.