underline
English meaning: Underline
Definition
To underline is to draw a line under a word to mark it as important. It can also mean to emphasise an idea.
Example
“Underline the key terms in the question.”
Another example: “The recent floods underline the urgent need for better defences.”
Usage — When, Where & How
To draw a line under a word, often to mark importance; figuratively, to emphasise a point ('underline the need for'). Neutral. Note US prefers 'underscore' for the figurative sense, and 'underscore' is also the _ character.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'under' plus 'line', a line placed beneath.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- underline a word
- underline the importance
- clearly underline
- underline the need
- double underline
Word Forms
underline (v); underlined; underlining; underline (n)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
15% of 200 = 30 · 15 is 7.5% of 200
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B