Definition of "underlie" in Englisch

verb

1. (intransitive) To lie in a position directly beneath something.

2. (transitive) To lie under or beneath.

   • A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.

3. (transitive) To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.

   • a doctrine underlying a theory

4. (transitive) To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.

5. (mining) To underlay.