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

“This tragedy underscores the responsibility employers have to anticipate hazards and take meaningful steps to protect workers, especially in high-risk operations involving explosive materials,” Cal/OSHA spokeswoman Denisse Gomez said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

With just 24 homes planned, the project underscores a broader shift toward smaller, more exclusive coastal communities where new inventory remains scarce.

From MarketWatch

“This underscores how conflicting geopolitical interests in one theater of conflict may undermine cooperation in another,” said Anne Frühauf, an analyst at consulting firm Teneo.

From The Wall Street Journal

The whole experience underscores a harsh reality in today’s airline arms race for big-spending travelers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The acknowledgment underscores that despite weeks of intensive U.S. operations targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure, the threat has not been fully eliminated and continues to be a factor in the military operation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress