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

Disney has said it will invest $60 billion into its experiences segment, underscoring the importance of that business to the company.

From Los Angeles Times

Scanlon said the findings underscore the need to rethink how society talks about water challenges.

From Science Daily

Sunday’s awards show underscored that by repeating the same selections as the Emmys in the top categories.

From Salon

The success of Nigerian artists underscores the continued global appeal of Afrobeats.

From BBC

The scheduling updates give economists and policymakers some clarity on the timing of future releases, but also underscore the massive disruptions that the shutdown heaped on the government’s statistics system.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress