verb

underlie

to underlie, to be the basis of

What assumptions underlie your argument?

What assumptions underlie your argument?

((sth.)) to be the cause or basis of (sth.) What assumptions underlie your argument?

Synonyms: form the basis of, support, be the cause of

From 'under' + 'lie'. Literally 'to lie under', meaning to form the foundation of something.

Think of the foundation that 'lies under' a house, supporting it.

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