Underly vs. Underlie — Which is Correct Spelling?
Copy edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 28, 2024
"Underly" is the incorrect spelling of "underlie," which refers to being the basis or cause of something.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Underly or Underlie
How to spell Underlie?
Underly
Incorrect Spelling
Underlie
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of the phrase “the underlying reason,” which uses the correct form "underlie."
Remember, “lie” in "underlie" acts as the verb base, consistent with its meaning of forming the base.
Focus on "lie" as in "to lie beneath," linking it to "underlie" which means to be beneath or foundational.
Break it down to “under” + “lie” where "lie" implies lying down or forming a base.
Avoid the common mistake of spelling it as "underly," which mistakenly implies an adverbial form like "lightly."
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How Do You Spell Underlie Correctly?
Incorrect: Several assumptions underly their theory.
Correct: Several assumptions underlie their theory.
Incorrect: The faulty wiring underly the frequent malfunctions.
Correct: The faulty wiring underlie the frequent malfunctions.
Incorrect: Many psychological issues underly his behavior.
Correct: Many psychological issues underlie his behavior.
Incorrect: Historical events underly the novel’s narrative.
Correct: Historical events underlie the novel’s narrative.
Incorrect: Social structures underly the cultural practices observed.
Correct: Social structures underlie the cultural practices observed.
Underlie Definitions
To be the foundation or cause of something.
The desire for freedom underlies much of the revolutionary activity.
To be the basis or main element of a theory, arrangement, or system.
Fundamental principles of justice underlie the new legislation.
To lie or be situated under something.
A layer of granite underlies the fertile soil of the valley.
To support from beneath.
A strong ethical conviction underlies her decision-making process.
To be the root or hidden cause of something.
Miscommunication often underlies interpersonal conflicts.
To be located under or below.
To be the support or basis of; account for
Many factors underlie my decision.
To constitute a prior claim over.
(intransitive) To lie in a position directly beneath something. en
(transitive) To lie under or beneath.
A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.
(transitive) To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.
A doctrine underlying a theory
(transitive) To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.
(mining) To underlay.
To lie under; to rest beneath; to be situated under; as, a stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.
To be at the basis of; to form the foundation of; to support; as, a doctrine underlying a theory.
To be subject or amenable to.
The knight of Ivanhoe . . . underlies the challenge of Brian der Bois Guilbert.
To lie below or under.
Be or form the base for
Lie underneath
Underlie Meaning in a Sentence
Misunderstandings underlie many of their arguments.
The same concepts underlie various scientific theories.
Personal experiences underlie his artistic expression.
The principles that underlie our policies need review.
Economic factors often underlie social change.
Fundamental rights underlie the legal framework.
Ancient beliefs underlie many modern customs.
The platform's algorithms underlie content recommendations.
Geopolitical strategies underlie the diplomatic talks.
Market dynamics underlie pricing strategies.
Psychological motivations underlie consumer behavior.
Family traditions underlie the celebration's customs.
Genetic factors underlie many diseases.
Unspoken rules underlie the group's interactions.
Deep-seated biases underlie the unfair treatment.
Common interests underlie their strong partnership.
Cultural norms underlie the rituals performed.
Structural inequities underlie many urban problems.
Values underlie our judgments and behaviors.
Historical relationships underlie current tensions.
Technical limitations underlie the software's functionality.
Underlie Idioms & Phrases
The principles that underlie
Refers to the foundational beliefs that form the basis of something.
The principles that underlie our educational system emphasize both academic and personal growth.
Values that underlie
Refers to the core moral standards that influence behavior or decisions.
The values that underlie our community guide our local governance.
Issues that underlie
Refers to the fundamental problems or concerns that are the root of surface events.
The issues that underlie the dispute are deeply entrenched in history.
Factors that underlie
Refers to elements that form the basis or cause of situations.
The factors that underlie economic success often involve more than just hard work.
Concepts that underlie
Pertains to ideas that provide the foundation for further development or understanding.
The concepts that underlie quantum physics can be quite challenging.
Beliefs that underlie
Speaks to the convictions or faiths that form the base of actions or policies.
The beliefs that underlie his actions are rooted in his cultural heritage.
The foundation that underlies
Refers to the underlying base or support for something.
The foundation that underlies our strategy is solid market research.
The strategy that underlies
Refers to the fundamental plan or tactic that supports decisions or actions.
The strategy that underlies our marketing campaign is based on extensive data analysis.
Norms that underlie
Discusses the standard practices or expectations that form the basis of activities or behavior.
The norms that underlie professional conduct dictate confidentiality.
The framework that underlies
Discusses the essential structure or system that supports or organizes something.
The framework that underlies our approach is highly adaptable.
The theory that underlies
Speaks to the basic principles or ideas that form the basis of a scientific theory or philosophy.
The theory that underlies relativity is groundbreaking.
The rationale that underlies
Refers to the underlying reasoning or logic behind a decision or action.
The rationale that underlies this policy needs to be clearly communicated.
The logic that underlies
Talks about the fundamental reasoning or coherence behind thoughts or actions.
The logic that underlies her argument is flawless.
The evidence that underlies
Discusses the supporting data or proof that forms the basis of conclusions or theories.
The evidence that underlies his thesis is compelling.
Rules that underlie
Talks about the underlying regulations or norms governing behavior in specific contexts.
The rules that underlie this competition are designed to ensure fairness.
Motivations that underlie
Pertains to the underlying reasons or drives behind actions.
The motivations that underlie his choices are complex and personal.
The tension that underlies
Speaks to the underlying stress or conflict that exists beneath surface interactions.
The tension that underlies their relationship is palpable.
The emotion that underlies
Refers to the underlying feeling or affective state that influences expressions or decisions.
The emotion that underlies his speech touched everyone.
Assumptions that underlie
Talks about the basic premises or beliefs that are taken for granted within arguments or theories.
We need to examine the assumptions that underlie our predictions.
The contradiction that underlies
Talks about the opposing ideas or statements that form the basis of complex situations.
The contradiction that underlies their agreement could cause problems later.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide underlie into syllables?
Underlie is divided into syllables as un-der-lie.
Why is it called underlie?
Underlie is called so because it comes from combining "under," meaning beneath, and "lie," meaning to be situated, reflecting its meaning of something foundational or basic beneath the surface.
What is the verb form of underlie?
The present tense of underlie is "underlie," past tense is "underlay," and the past participle is "underlain."
What is the first form of underlie?
The first form of underlie is "underlie."
What is a stressed syllable in underlie?
The first syllable "un-" is the stressed syllable in underlie.
What is the pronunciation of underlie?
Underlie is pronounced as /ˈʌn.dər.laɪ/.
How many syllables are in underlie?
Underlie has three syllables.
How is underlie used in a sentence?
Underlie is used as a verb indicating that something forms the basis or cause of another thing.
What is the plural form of underlie?
Underlie does not have a plural form as it is a verb.
Is underlie an adverb?
No, underlie is not an adverb.
What is the root word of underlie?
The root of underlie is from Old English "under" (beneath) and "licgan" (to lie), which have merged to form this verb.
What is the third form of underlie?
The third form of underlie is "underlain."
What part of speech is underlie?
Underlie is a verb.
Is the word underlie imperative?
Underlie can be used in the imperative mood, giving commands like "Underlie this theory with solid evidence."
Is underlie a noun or adjective?
Underlie is a verb.
Is underlie an abstract noun?
No, underlie is a verb.
Is underlie a vowel or consonant?
The word underlie starts with a vowel sound.
What is the singular form of underlie?
Underlie does not change in form based on number; it remains "underlie."
What is the opposite of underlie?
An opposite of underlie might be "overcome" or "surpass."
Is underlie a countable noun?
Underlie is not a noun; it is a verb.
Which determiner is used with underlie?
Determiners are not typically used with verbs like underlie.
What is the second form of underlie?
The second form of underlie is "underlay."
What is another term for underlie?
Another term for underlie is "support" or "basis."
Is underlie a negative or positive word?
Underlie is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is the underlie term a metaphor?
Underlie can be used metaphorically to describe foundational or causal elements.
Which preposition is used with underlie?
Common prepositions used with underlie include "of" and "behind," as in "the principles of the theory that underlie it" or "the motivation behind the actions that underlie."
Which article is used with underlie?
As a verb, underlie does not directly take articles.
Is underlie a collective noun?
No, underlie is not a collective noun; it is a verb.
Is the word underlie Gerund?
The gerund form of underlie is "underlying."
Is the word “underlie” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As a verb, underlie does not serve as an object but can have objects, e.g., "Basic rights underlie these laws."
Which vowel is used before underlie?
As underlie begins with a vowel sound, 'an' is typically used, e.g., "an underlying assumption."
Which conjunction is used with underlie?
Common conjunctions are not typically used directly with underlie, but in clauses, it may be used with conjunctions like "and" or "but" to connect ideas.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Copy edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
