Pronunciation: /ʌndəˈlʌɪ/
verb (underlies, underlying; past underlay; past participle underlain)
[with object]-
1(especially of a layer of rock or soil) lie or be situated under (something): limestone underlies much of the site
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2be the cause or basis of (something): the fundamental issue which underlies the conflict (as adjective underlying) the underlying causes of poverty and drug addiction
