Underscore: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "underscore" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sublinhado
- sublinhar
- traço inferior
🇮🇳 अंडरस्कोर
🇩🇪 Unterstrich
🇮🇩 garis bawah
🇺🇦 підкреслення
🇵🇱 podkreślenie
🇯🇵 アンダースコア
🇫🇷 souligner
🇪🇸 guion bajo
🇹🇷 alt çizgi
🇰🇷 밑줄
🇸🇦 تسطير
🇨🇿 podtržítko
🇸🇰 podčiarknutie
🇨🇳 下划线
🇸🇮 podčrtaj
🇮🇸 undirstrik
🇰🇿 астынғы сызықша
🇬🇪 ქვედახაზი
🇦🇿 alt xətt
🇲🇽 guion bajo