Underscoring: meaning, definitions and examples

✍️
Add to dictionary

underscoring

 

[ ˌʌndərˈskɔːrɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

writing style

Underscoring is a typographical technique used to emphasize certain words or phrases in written text, often by drawing a line underneath. This method is commonly used in handwritten documents, typewritten text, and various digital formats. The aim of underscoring is to draw the reader's attention to key information, serving a purpose similar to bold or italic text. It is especially prevalent in academic and formal writing.

Synonyms

emphasis, highlight, underline

Examples of usage

  • The teacher advised us to use underscoring for key terms.
  • Important dates in the document were highlighted by underscoring.
  • She preferred underscoring over bolding for her notes.
Context #2 | Verb

text decoration

To underscore means to draw a line beneath or to emphasize something, making it stand out in the context. This can be applied to texts, speeches, or ideas to highlight their importance or significance. In digital formats, underscoring can be done using formatting tools, while in handwriting, it often involves drawing a line beneath the word or phrase.

Synonyms

emphasize, stress, underline

Examples of usage

  • Please underscore the main points in your report.
  • The author underscores the importance of honesty in her novel.
  • He made sure to underscore his arguments during the discussion.

Translations

Translations of the word "underscoring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subscrição

🇮🇳 अंडरस्कोरिंग

🇩🇪 Unterstreichung

🇮🇩 garis bawah

🇺🇦 підкреслення

🇵🇱 podkreślenie

🇯🇵 アンダースコアリング

🇫🇷 soulignement

🇪🇸 subrayado

🇹🇷 altını çizme

🇰🇷 밑줄 긋기

🇸🇦 تسطير

🇨🇿 podtržení

🇸🇰 podčiarkovanie

🇨🇳 下划线

🇸🇮 podčrtavanje

🇮🇸 undirstrika

🇰🇿 асты сызу

🇬🇪 ქვეშის ხაზის გაწერა

🇦🇿 altı xətti

🇲🇽 subrayado

Word origin

The term 'underscoring' originates from the combination of the prefix 'under-' meaning below or beneath, and 'score', which in this context refers to marking or drawing a line. This practice can be traced back to early writing methods where scribes would use various techniques to emphasize text, including drawing lines under words. The usage of underscoring began to gain popularity with the rise of typewriters, as writers sought ways to add emphasis to their documents without altering the font face. In digital communication, the term evolved further with the advent of word processing software, where underscoring became a standard format option. Over time, while digital formats also introduced alternative forms of emphasis, underscoring remains a staple in both handwritten and typed documentation, showcasing its enduring relevance in written language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,231, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.