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

“We weren’t good enough,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said, underlining the obvious.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Barron's

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".

From Barron's

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".

From BBC

Their contrasting positions were underlined by reactions to the conviction.

From BBC

Related Words

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