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verb A1 Beginner Uncommon

underline

UHN-duh-lyn

Underline (verb) means to draw a line beneath a word or phrase for emphasis. Example: “She underlined the key terms in her notes.”

verb
1
To draw a line beneath a word or phrase for emphasis.
"She underlined the key terms in her notes."
2
To emphasize or draw attention to something.
"The report underlines the need for urgent action on climate change."
noun
1
A line drawn beneath text for emphasis.
"Add an underline to make the heading stand out."

How to use underline

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo mark text with a line underneath, or figuratively, to stress how important something is.

Common pairings
underline the importance underline a point

Word forms

underlined past tense, underlines plural, underlines singular

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Test yourself on “underline” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the key terms in her notes.

Etymology

From under- + line.

Related words

Rhymes for underline

See all rhymes for underline →

Frequently asked questions

What does “underline” mean?

The word “underline” means to draw a line beneath a word or phrase for emphasis. In plain terms, to mark text with a line underneath, or figuratively, to stress how important something is.

How do you pronounce “underline”?

“Underline” is pronounced UHN-duh-lyn (/ˈʌndɚˌlaɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “underline” in a sentence?

Here is “underline” used in a sentence: “She underlined the key terms in her notes.”

What part of speech is “underline”?

Depending on how it is used, “underline” can be a verb and a noun.

Is “underline” a common word?

“Underline” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

How many meanings does “underline” have?

“Underline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to draw a line beneath a word or phrase for emphasis.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial