underline

[uhn-der-lahyn, uhn-der-lahyn, uhn-der-lahyn]

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.

noun

1. Printing.,  a caption under an illustration.

2. a line drawn under something; an underscore.

underline

verb

1. to put a line under

2. to state forcibly; emphasize or reinforce

noun

1. a line underneath, esp under written matter

Other Word Forms

• underlining noun
• underlineation noun
• underliner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underline¹

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

Example Sentences

Full-back Ruben Love broke the stodge with a brilliant step past two Welsh forwards for a fine individual try that underlined his promise.

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While the declaration did not specifically mention the report's recommendation, it underlined the "imperative" to address "disparities in wealth and development both within and between countries".

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She underlined that lessons from the inquiry "must inform our preparedness for, and response to, any future pandemic or society-wide emergency in the future".

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Their contrasting positions were underlined by reactions to the conviction.

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Survivors are frustrated by the delay, and said the recent revelations about the Presbyterian Church underlines the importance of a public inquiry.

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Related Words

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