verb
underlie
To lie beneath something or form its basis or cause.
A fear of failure underlies her reluctance to try.
Etymology
The literal meaning is lying beneath. A deeper supporting layer supplies the metaphor for a basic cause or foundation.
More examples
- Layers of solid rock underlie the loose soil.
- Several assumptions underlie this estimate.
- Poor communication underlay many of their disagreements.
Forms
underlie · underlies · underlay · underlain · underlying
Similar words
- underpin
- Emphasizes supporting or strengthening rather than simply lying beneath.
- cause
- Directly produces an effect rather than forming its foundation.