underly /ˈʌndə(ɹ)li/adverb 2adjective 1forms 2 adverb2 •(informal) In an inferior or inadequate manner; insufficiently (chiefly in opposition to overly).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. — 2000 •(no longer used, rare) At a lower level.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. — 1672 adjective1 •(dialect) Poor; inferior. formsmore underly · most underly
