underline
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
to draw a line under a word or passage for emphasis or to indicate importance.
to emphasize or give prominence to something; to serve as the underlying cause, basis, or supporting factor.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'underline' operates in both a literal, physical sense (marking text) and a figurative, abstract sense (emphasizing or forming a basis). The noun form, less common, refers to the line itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The synonym 'underscore' is more frequent in American English, especially in figurative/technical contexts.
Connotations
Figurative use can sound slightly formal or academic in both varieties.
Frequency
The verb is common in both; the noun is less frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (She underlined the key terms.)SVO that-clause (The report underlines that change is essential.)SVO wh-clause (This underlines why we must act.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to emphasize key findings in reports or strategic priorities.
Academic
Common in essays and analyses to stress a central argument or piece of evidence.
Everyday
Used when giving instructions (e.g., 'underline the title') or making a strong point in conversation.
Technical
In computing, can refer to text formatting. In logic/rhetoric, refers to a foundational premise.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please underline any technical terms you don't understand.
- The minister's speech served to underline the government's commitment to NHS funding.
- These findings underline the need for immediate policy review.
American English
- Be sure to underline your name on the form.
- The latest sales figures underscore (underline) the success of our new strategy.
- Her experience underlines how important early education is.
adjective
British English
- The underline feature in the software is broken.
- An underline principle of the treaty was mutual defence.
American English
- Use the underline style for book titles.
- The underline cause of the conflict was economic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Underline the date at the top of the page.
- I use a red pen to underline new vocabulary.
- The teacher asked us to underline the main idea in each paragraph.
- This mistake underlines the importance of checking your work.
- The study's conclusions underline a significant shift in public opinion.
- To underline his argument, he presented three key pieces of historical evidence.
- The persistent gender pay gap underlines the systemic inequalities within the industry.
- His refusal to cooperate merely underlines the fundamental lack of trust between the parties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a line UNDER important words to help them stand out and 'lean' on your attention.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS PHYSICAL SUPPORT/PROMINENCE (to underline an idea is to give it a visual/structural base).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'подчёркивать' which is a direct equivalent for both literal and figurative meanings. No major trap.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'underline' as a noun for the act of emphasizing ('He gave an underline to the issue' – prefer 'He gave emphasis to...').
- Confusing spelling: 'underline' not 'under-line'.
- Overusing in informal writing where 'stress' or 'point out' might be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'underline' used in a PURELY figurative sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In literal text formatting, they are synonyms. Figuratively, 'underscore' is often preferred in American English and can sound slightly more forceful or technical. 'Underline' is more common in general British English.
Yes, but less commonly. It refers to the line drawn under text (e.g., 'a single underline'). For the abstract concept of emphasis, nouns like 'emphasis' or 'stress' are better.
It is neutral but leans towards formal in its figurative use. In everyday literal instructions ('underline this'), it is perfectly standard.
Use it to introduce and stress key evidence or your central thesis. E.g., 'This case underlines the principle that...' or 'The following statistics underline the severity of the crisis.'
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