underline

[ verb uhn-der-lahyn, uhn-der-lahyn; noun uhn-der-lahyn ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·lined, un·der·lin·ing.

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 Words From

• under·lining un·der·lin·e·a·tion [uhn-der-lin-ee-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• under·liner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underline¹

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

Example Sentences

Reeves has often sought to underline her economic credentials by pointing to the roles she held before becoming an MP.

From BBC

Last week, the Guardian announced it will no longer post on X, saying the US election underlined its concerns that Musk had been able to use X to "shape political discourse".

From BBC

Lawrence Stroll has masterminded a series of developments at Aston Martin that underline his ambition for the team to become title contenders.

From BBC

Just under 14 months ago Wales posted a record 40-6 World Cup win in Lyon that underlined Australia's demise under Eddie Jones.

From BBC

BBC Sport looks at the statistics underlining the success of the Spaniard - who will retire as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time.

From BBC

Related Words

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