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 filing explicitly states that F-35 revenue includes development, production, and maintenance, underscoring how support and logistics are embedded in the program’s economy.

From MarketWatch

But in the U.S., a dour mood has been underscored by a couple of apparent contradictions, as Jay Hatfield, a portfolio manager at Infrastructure Capital Advisors, pointed out during a conversation with MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch

“These actions highlight the risks of media consolidation and underscore the urgent need for regulators and the company to prioritize the public interest and the professionals who serve it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Officials also confirmed that an exchange regarding intercontinental ballistic missiles had taken place between Anthropic and the Pentagon, underscoring the sensitivity of the applications at the heart of the dispute.

From Barron's

B.J. insists, underscoring his point about the influence of funk and rock music by squeezing in an Earth, Wind & Fire concert during which he finagles an excuse to join them onstage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress