underlie

/'ʌndəlain/

Thân thiện

The new data underlies the entire research report.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To lie or be situated under something: To be located beneath or below something else, often serving as its foundation or support.
   • To be the basis or foundation for something: To form the fundamental cause, support, or justification for an idea, argument, or situation.

Examples of Usage

• Literal (to lie underneath):
  • A layer of clay underlies the topsoil in this region.
  • The ancient ruins underlie the modern city.
• Figurative (to form the basis for):
  • Several key principles underlie our company's philosophy.
  • A deep sense of insecurity underlies his arrogant behavior.

Advanced Usage

• "Underlying" (adjective): Used to describe the fundamental or hidden cause, reason, or basis of something.
  • The underlying cause of the conflict was economic inequality.
  • We need to address the underlying assumptions in this argument.

Variants and Related Words

• Underlay (verb, past tense of 'underlie'):
• Underlain (verb, past participle of 'underlie'):
• Underlying (adjective): Fundamental, basic, or latent.

Synonyms

• Undergird: To form the basis or foundation for; to support.
• Support: To bear the weight of; to provide a basis for.
• Ground: To provide a basis or foundation for an argument or belief.

Related Phrases

• To be at the root of: To be the original or primary cause of something.
• To form the bedrock of: To be the solid, foundational basis for something.

Notes on Meaning

• The word 'underlie' is primarily used in formal, academic, or analytical contexts (e.g., science, philosophy, economics) to discuss foundational structures or causes.
• It is often used in its present participle form 'underlying' as an adjective to describe the fundamental nature of something that is not immediately obvious.

Học thuật

Verb

1. lie underneath
2. be or form the base for