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

Craig Bellamy has underlined his commitment to staying on as Wales head coach, describing it as the best job in the world.

From BBC

How he overcame his only moment of real peril underlined the effectiveness of his serve.

From BBC

Analysts say Beijing’s reaction underlines China’s alarm at the prospect of its wartime enemy and close U.S. ally building up its defensive strength.

From The Wall Street Journal

Christian Lawyers warned that her case had underlined failures in her care.

From BBC

I’m supposed to underline that this is road-tested technology, and it’s not going to be abused or prolong the action–teams are limited to two unsuccessful challenges per game.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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