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

The Philippine central bank cut rates at its first meeting of the year, a widely expected move as weak growth underlines the need for more economic support.

From The Wall Street Journal

"These findings underline the ongoing need to educate visitors about respecting our beautiful Highland environment and the communities who live here," he added.

From BBC

His golden moment also underlined that he is Norway's loss.

From Barron's

Flows in digital asset exchange-traded funds “underline this cautious tone,” with data showing outflows from U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs and ether ETFs on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

The challenge of developing a robust, dexterous and affordable hand was underlined by Tesla-boss Elon Musk, when he spoke at the All-In Summit in Los Angeles in September of last year.

From BBC

Related Words

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