Definition: To lie in a position directly beneath.

Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! You’ve got the dictionary definition – “to lie in a position directly beneath” – that’s a good start, it’s true. But "underlying" has a little more to chew on for you. Think of it like this: imagine a beautiful flower growing in the ground. The soil underneath it is what's keeping it alive and strong, right? It's not as flashy, it’s not the pretty petals we see, but it’s absolutely essential . “Underlying” means something that’s hidden, but important . It's a reason or cause that’s below the surface of something else. Let's try an example: "The sadness was underlying a cheerful smile." That smile looks happy, but underneath it, there's sadness – that's the "underlying" feeling. Or, “There’s an underlying problem with this design.” It means there’s something hidden causing trouble, even if it isn't immediately obvious. Does that make a little more sense? Do you have any questions about what “underlying” really means ? Don't be shy!