Meaning & Definition of Underline in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To draw a line under (a word or phrase) to indicate that it is important or should be emphasized.

  Example Sentence: Please underline the key points in your report.

• Definition: To make something more noticeable or prominent.

  Example Sentence: This research underscores the importance of education.

• Definition: To serve as a support or foundation for something.

  Example Sentence: His actions underline the principles he stands for.

Etymology

Origin: from Middle English 'underlinen', literally meaning 'to line under'

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• underline the importance of: to emphasize how significant something is
• underline a point: to make a specific argument or statement more prominent
• underline the need for: to stress the necessity of something

Translations

• Spanish: subrayar

• French: souligner

• German: unterstreichen

• Russian: подчеркнуть

Related Words

• emphasis: special importance or significance placed upon something.

• highlight: to make something stand out or to call attention to it.

Slang Meanings of underline

• Meaning: to call out or point out something important

  Example Sentence: I'm gonna underline that fact in our presentation.

• Meaning: to stress or emphasize an idea in conversation

  Example Sentence: He really underlined how crucial this decision is.