Underscore Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
➖
underscore
[ˈʌndərˌskɔːr ]
Definitions
computer programming
A character (_) used to connect words or parts of a word.
Synonyms
low line, underline.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| underscore |
Use in digital and programming contexts, where it refers to the character _ used in filenames, URLs, and code.
|
| underline |
Commonly used in writing and text editing to refer to a line drawn under text for emphasis or to indicate a hyperlink.
|
| low line |
Seldom used term for the underscore character in technical and formal discussions or documentation.
|
Examples of usage
- Variable names in programming languages often use underscores to separate words, like my_variable.
- In URLs, underscores are commonly used to replace spaces, for example, in file names.
computer programming
To replace spaces in a text with underscores.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| underscore |
Mainly used when you want to emphasize something or highlight the importance of a point. It can also refer to a line drawn under a word for emphasis.
|
| replace |
Used when one thing takes the place of another. This word is neutral and often used when an item or concept needs to be swapped out.
|
| substitute |
Used when one thing or person takes the place of another, especially temporarily or as a surrogate. It can imply that the replacement might not be exactly the same.
|
Examples of usage
- Before saving the file, make sure to underscore spaces in the file name.
- Some programming languages automatically underscore spaces in URLs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Language Usage
- In writing, using underscores often signals an emphasis on a word or phrase, akin to italicizing or bolding text.
- Writers and editors commonly use underscores to indicate that a word should be highlighted or called out more strongly.
- In digital communications, underscores can also replace spaces in usernames and email addresses, making them easier to read.
Pop Culture
- The term has appeared in various songs and albums, often used metaphorically to imply hidden meanings or deeper truths.
- In sports commentary, when discussing an athlete's performance, underscoring a stat could highlight a pivotal moment in a game.
- Popular television shows and movies sometimes use the concept of underscoring to refer to moments that should be taken seriously amidst lighter content.
Technology
- In programming languages, underscores allow developers to create more readable variable names, especially in languages that do not support spaces.
- In web development, underscores are often used in URL naming conventions to improve search engine optimization or readability.
- The use of an underscore character is prevalent in coding and data science to represent spaces, making code cleaner and more structured.
Education
- Teachers encourage students to underscore important points in their notes to retain information better.
- Underscoring key terms in textbooks can aid in studying, as it visually distinguishes vital concepts from the rest of the text.
- In exams, students may underscore questions or parts of prompts to emphasize what they need to focus on while answering.
Origin of 'underscore'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'underscore' comes from the late 14th century, originally meaning to draw a line beneath words.
- It combines the prefix 'under-' meaning below and 'score' which refers to a mark or line in writing.
- In programming, it has evolved to mean a character (_) used in place of spaces in file names and code.
The use of underscore as a character to connect words dates back to the typewriter era when it was used to underline text. In computer programming, the underscore character became popular as a way to represent spaces in variable names and file names, as spaces are not allowed in these contexts. The verb form of underscore, meaning to replace spaces with underscores, emerged from this usage.
See also: scoreboard, scorecard, scoreless, scorer, scores, scoring.