Underline: meaning, definitions and examples

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underline

[ˈʌndərlaɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

text editing

To draw a line under a word or phrase to give emphasis or importance; to highlight or mark something as significant.

Synonyms

emphasize, highlight, underscore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
underline	Typically applied in written or printed text to draw attention to specific parts. Often used in educational or formal documentation. The teacher asked us to underline all the key points in the chapter. Please underline your name on the form.
emphasize	Used in both spoken and written contexts to stress the importance or significance of something. It has a broad application, from casual conversation to formal speeches. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to be on time. The CEO emphasized the company's commitment to innovation in his speech.
highlight	Often used to indicate something as particularly important or noteworthy. Can be used metaphorically in both spoken and written contexts and literally when using a highlighter pen. The report highlights the main challenges we face. Please highlight any errors you find in the document.
underscore	Similar to 'underline,' it means to draw attention to something but is often used in a more figurative or formal tone, especially in written or academic contexts. The findings underscore the importance of early intervention. The professor underscored the key takeaways of the lecture.

Examples of usage

I always underline important information in my notes.
She asked me to underline the key points in the report.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

typography

A line drawn under a word or phrase for emphasis or decoration.

Synonyms

highlight, marker, underscore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
underline	Used for emphasizing text in writing or printed material by drawing a line under the words. Please underline the key terms in this paragraph. She underlined the important dates in her notes.
underscore	Used in digital text for spacing or emphasis, especially in usernames and email addresses. In non-digital contexts, it can mean to stress or emphasize a point. Her email address is [email protected]. The teacher wanted to underscore the importance of reading every day.
highlight	Used for drawing special attention to a word or section of text, often with a bright color or a different format. He used a yellow marker to highlight the most important parts of the report. Make sure you highlight the main ideas in your presentation.
marker	Refers to the tool used to make marks, often used for writing, drawing, or highlighting text. It can be a colored pen or a felt-tip pen. She grabbed a marker to label the boxes. The children used markers to draw pictures.

Examples of usage

The title is in bold with an underline beneath it.
The text had a red underline to indicate a spelling mistake.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the combination of 'under' and 'line', first recorded in English use during the early 19th century.
Many languages use a similar structure, reflecting a universal need to emphasize important text.

Grammar and Writing

Teachers often ask students to underline important points in notes to help with studying and understanding.
In digital writing, underlining is often reserved for hyperlinks, making it a crucial part of online reading.

Art and Design

Graphic designers use underlining to draw attention to specific elements in visual communication, like ads or posters.
Modern typography has started to use underlining sparingly in favor of other methods like bolding or coloring to maintain clarity.

Psychology

Research suggests that underlining important information can enhance memory retention among students.
Neuroscientific studies show that visual cues like underlining engage different areas of the brain that aid learning.

Pop Culture

In comic books, underlining or special highlighting is often used to emphasize dialogue or thoughts.
The phrase 'under the radar' is often referenced in popular media, which ties back to the concept of underlining importance in communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "underline" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sublinhar

🇮🇳 रेखांकित करना

🇩🇪 unterstreichen

🇮🇩 menggarisbawahi

🇺🇦 підкреслити

🇵🇱 podkreślać

🇯🇵 下線を引く

🇫🇷 souligner

🇪🇸 subrayar

🇹🇷 altını çizmek

🇰🇷 밑줄을 긋다

🇸🇦 تسطير

🇨🇿 podtrhnout

🇸🇰 podčiarknuť

🇨🇳 下划线

🇸🇮 podčrtati

🇮🇸 undirstrika

🇰🇿 астын сызу

🇬🇪 გსასქელება

🇦🇿 altını cızmək

🇲🇽 subrayar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,439, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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