underline
underline
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "underline" is /ˌʌn.dərˈlaɪn/.
/ˌʌn/
/dər/
/ˈlaɪn/
Word Form Variations
Verb: underline (base form), underlines (third person singular present), underlining (present participle), underlined (past simple, past participle)
Noun: underline (singular), underlines (plural)
Adjective: underlined (past participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To draw a line under (a word or phrase) to give emphasis or indicate importance.
Synonyms: underscore, mark, emphasize, highlight, stress
Antonyms: omit, ignore, disregard, de-emphasize, strike through
Definition 2: To emphasize or make clear the importance of (something).
Synonyms: emphasize, highlight, stress, underscore, accentuate, punctuate
Antonyms: de-emphasize, minimize, downplay, obscure, hide
Definition 3: To form the basis or foundation of (something); to be the underlying reason or principle.
Synonyms: underpin, support, underlie, substantiate, form the basis of
Antonyms: disprove, contradict, undermine, refute, nullify
Noun
Definition 1: A line drawn under a word or phrase, used for emphasis or to indicate importance.
Synonyms: underscore, mark, emphasis, highlight
Antonyms: (No direct antonym for the mark itself)
Definition 2: The underlying principle or main point of something.
Synonyms: essence, gist, crux, core, main point, substance
Antonyms: superficiality, minor detail, periphery, irrelevance
Examples of Use
Books:
"The teacher asked the students to underline the main verbs in each sentence using a red pen." (From a grammar textbook or educational material)
"The author's stark prose served to underline the brutality of war and its devastating impact on civilians." (From a non-fiction historical account or a war novel)
"He found the key message in the document, which was heavily underlined by a previous reader." (Fictional example from a mystery novel or a book describing a discovery)
Newspapers:
"The President's recent visit to the affected region was meant to underline the government's commitment to flood relief." (Daily Nation)
"New research continues to underline the importance of early childhood education for long-term development." (The Standard)
"The finance minister emphasized the need to underline fiscal discipline in the national budget to curb debt." (Business Daily Africa)
Online Publications:
"How to use the underline feature in Microsoft Word to highlight important text." (A tutorial on a software help website, e.g., Microsoft Support)
"The latest data from the stock market serves to underline the volatility in the tech sector." (A financial analysis article on "Investopedia.com)
"Our article aims to underline the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting personal data in the digital age." (A tech security blog, e.g., NortonLifeLock Blog)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The music was designed to underline the emotional tension of the scene without distracting from the dialogue." (A film critique or director's commentary)
Television Series: "The show's consistent themes underline its message about the enduring power of family." (A TV series review or analysis)
Song Lyrics: "Every single word you said, every promise made, served to underline the love that would fade." (From a poignant pop ballad)
Video Games: "Important objectives on your map are always underlined for easy identification." (In-game tutorial or UI explanation)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we underline the key takeaways from our interview with the renowned astrophysicist." (A podcast host summarizing points)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you underline the key points in this report before the meeting?" (A common request in a workplace)
"Her recent actions really underline her commitment to the cause." (Praising someone's dedication)
"I always underline important sentences when I'm studying a textbook." (A personal study habit)
"The difficult times only served to underline the strength of our community." (Reflecting on resilience)
"The agreement contained a clause that was heavily underlined for emphasis." (Describing a document)
"I want to underline the fact that safety is our top priority." (Emphasizing a point verbally)
10 Quotes Using Underline
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates, as quoted by Plato in Apology) - This implies a deep introspection that would underline one's true nature.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address, 1933) - This statement serves to underline the power and danger of fear.
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." (Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols, 1888) - This quote serves to underline the resilience gained from hardship.
"Knowledge is power." (Francis Bacon, Meditationes Sacrae, 1597) - This powerful statement serves to underline the importance of knowledge.
"A picture is worth a thousand words." (Attributed to Fred R. Barnard, 1921) - This implies that visuals can powerfully underline a message.
"Underline the words that seem most important to you." (Common instruction in educational contexts)
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) - This serves to underline the value of authenticity.
"My old car runs great, but its faded paint job serves to underline its age." (Original quote, descriptive)
"The lessons of history are seldom learned when they are needed most." (Lesser-known, but common historical observation) - This suggests that lessons often fail to underline their importance.
"The truth often reveals itself in the subtle details, waiting for you to underline it." (Original quote, metaphorical)
Etymology
The word "underline" is a combination of two common English words: "under" and "line." Its etymology is quite straightforward once you know those two roots.
"Under": This comes from the Old English word under, meaning "below" or "beneath."
"Line": This comes from the Old English word līne, which originally meant "rope" or "mark."
So, literally, "underline" means "to draw a line below."
The first known use of "underline" in English, with the meaning of "to draw a line beneath (a word or phrase) for emphasis," dates back to the late 16th century (specifically 1570s). This was a direct descriptive term for the physical act of marking text for emphasis, a practice that became common as printing and standardized writing evolved.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Underline
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "underline":
To underline the importance of (something): To emphasize how significant something is.
To underline a point: To stress or highlight a particular argument or idea.
To underline a word/phrase: To draw a physical line beneath text for emphasis.
To draw attention to (something): To make something more noticeable. (Synonym for "to underline" figuratively).
To stress the fact that: To state emphatically. (Synonym for "to underline the fact that").
To underscore a message: To give added emphasis to a communication. (Synonym for "to underline a message").
The underlying truth: The fundamental or essential reality. (Related to "underline" in a foundational sense).
To highlight key takeaways: To point out the most important conclusions. (Synonym for "to underline key points").
To firmly establish: To make something secure or clearly understood. (Synonym for "to underline a principle").
A defining moment: A critical point that clearly illustrates something. (Can serve to "underline" a characteristic).
To underline a section: To visually mark a portion of text. (Everyday use).
To emphasize with a gesture: To use body language to add force to words. (Synonym for "to underline with action").
To bring to the forefront: To make something prominent or highly visible. (Synonym for "to underline a concern").
The core message: The central meaning or idea. (Synonym for "the underline" of an argument).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of underline from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
