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Underly

//ˈʌndə(ɹ)li// adj, adv, verb, slang

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Poor; inferior. dialectal
Adverb
  1. 1
    At a lower level. obsolete, rare

    "The Seed-Branch […] is presently divided into two main Branches, and those two into other less; whereof some underly, others aloft, run along the Coat."

  2. 2
    In an inferior or inadequate manner; insufficiently (chiefly in opposition to overly). colloquial

    "In this case, we are not in a position—at least from the perspective of the rules themselves and the values that lie behind them—to say that they are overly or underly inclusive."

Verb
  1. 1
    Nonstandard spelling of underlie. alt-of, nonstandard

    "I asked him what principles he felt should underly the care provided during such a voyage."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From under + -ly.

Etymology 2

From under + -ly.

Etymology 3

Back-formation from underlying.

See also for "underly"

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