underline

American  

[uhn-der-lahyn, uhn-der-lahyn, uhn-der-lahyn] / ˈʌn dərˌlaɪn, ˌʌn dərˈlaɪn, ˈʌn dərˌlaɪn /

verb (used with object)

underlined, underlining

1. to mark with a line or lines underneath; underscore.

2. to indicate the importance of; emphasize, as by stressing or italicizing.

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noun

1. Printing. a caption under an illustration.

2. a line drawn under something; an underscore.

underline British  

verb

1. to put a line under

2. to state forcibly; emphasize or reinforce

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noun

1. a line underneath, esp under written matter

Other Word Forms

• underlineation noun
• underliner noun
• underlining noun

Etymology

Origin of underline

First recorded in 1715–25; under- + line ¹

Example Sentences

Since its Cannes premiere, “Sentimental Value” has been lauded for such scenes, which underline the subtle force of this intelligent tearjerker about a frayed family trying to repair itself.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a performance that underlined how much he has evolved as a passer, and underlined that he is finally making good on the potential he flashed in college.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wolves' performance in their draw with Manchester United underlined what I already thought.

From BBC

That the midfielder has recovered from that serious knee injury - and signed a new five-year deal in the summer - to eclipse his already impressive performances before he was out, underlines his talent.

From BBC

The document also underlined that Andrew was not a "target" of the investigation and no evidence had been gathered that he had committed any crime under US law.

From BBC

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• point up
• stress
• underscore