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underlieto be the cause or basis of something; to exist beneath

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to be the cause or basis of something; to exist beneath

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌndərˈlaɪ/

Korean meaning: ~의 근본 원인이 되다, 기초가 되다, 밑에 놓여 있다

Korean pronunciation: 언-더-라이 (강세: 라이)

Example Sentences

  • His constant jokes underlie his deep insecurity about public speaking.
  • Scientific principles underlie all modern technology.
  • The rock formation that underlies our school explains why the WiFi is so terrible.

underlie

VERB

//ˌʌndərˈlaɪ//

to be the cause or basis of something; to exist beneath

underlie concept
💡 Concept

Hidden cause behind everything

underlie rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

The spring's supply underlies what gardens rely!

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌʌndərˈlaɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌʌndəˈlaɪ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixunder--
Rootlie

Origin

From Old English 'underlicgan', combining 'under' (beneath) and 'licgan' (to lie). The word has been used since Middle English to describe something that exists or functions as a foundation.

🎵Rhyme

relysupplyapplyimply
rely
supply
apply
imply

🔗Collocations

underlie the problem
principles that underlie
underlie the theory
factors underlie
underlie the surface
assumptions underlie

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

His constant jokes underlie his deep insecurity about public speaking.

Scientific principles underlie all modern technology.

😄 Fun example

The rock formation that underlies our school explains why the WiFi is so terrible.

Cultural differences often underlie communication problems.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

supportform the basis ofbe at the root ofconstituteground

Antonyms

overlaysurfacecover

Related

underlyingfoundationbasisfundamentalroot cause

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