Underlie

Verb

Definitions

1.VerbTo lie in a position directly beneath something. (Can we add an example for this sense?)

2.VerbTo lie under or beneath.

"A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel."

3.VerbTo serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.

"a doctrine underlying a theory"

4.VerbTo be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.

5.VerbTo underlay.

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