underscore

American  

[uhn-der-skawr, -skohr, uhn-der-skawr, -skohr, uhn-der-skawr, -skohr] / ˈʌn dərˌskɔr, -ˌskoʊr, ˌʌn dərˈskɔr, -ˈskoʊr, ˈʌn dərˌskɔr, -ˌskoʊr /

verb (used with object)

underscored, underscoring

1. to mark with a line or lines underneath; underline, as for emphasis.

2. to stress; emphasize.

   The recent tragedy underscores the danger of disregarding safety rules.

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noun

1. a line drawn beneath something written or printed.

2. music for a film soundtrack; background for a film or stage production.

underscore British  

verb

1. to draw or score a line or mark under

2. to stress or reinforce

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noun

1. a line drawn under written matter

Etymology

Origin of underscore

First recorded in 1765–75; under- + score

Example Sentences

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 500 points on Monday, driven by gains in Apple and Caterpillar, as a strong manufacturing reading underscored that the economy is starting the year with momentum.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tesla shares are trading lower Monday as new figures underscore the company’s sustained sales woes in Europe.

From MarketWatch

January sales numbers from some Chinese EV makers underscore the trend, and it’s a reason companies like Tesla are turning their attention to robots and robo-taxis.

From Barron's

Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason Jr. also used his speech to underscore the “uncertainty and real trauma,” of the environment in America now.

From Los Angeles Times

Several of the emails underscore the depth of Ferguson's friendship with Epstein.

From BBC

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress