Underly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Underly is a verb meaning to serve as the basis or foundation for something. It often refers to hidden principles, causes, or ideas that support or explain a situation. Example: Economic factors underly the policy changes.
Definition:
To be the basis or foundation of something, often hidden or not immediately obvious.
Synonyms:
underlie, support, ground, base
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
contradict, oppose
Common Collocations:
underlying cause, underlying principle, underlying assumption
Derivatives:
underlying, underlain
Usage Tips:
Use "underly" to describe hidden foundational elements; often appears as "underlying" in modern usage.
Common Phrases:
underly the surface, underly the issue, underly the theory
Etymology:
From Old English "underlicgan," meaning "to lie beneath."
Examples:
- 1. The principles underly all scientific theories.
- 2. Trust must underly any strong relationship.
- 3. His fears underly his cautious behavior.
- 4. Economic factors often underly political decisions.