underscore
B2Neutral to formal; common in written and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To draw a line under text; to emphasize.
To give emphasis or importance to something; a character (_) used in computing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Literally means 'to underline,' but commonly used metaphorically to mean 'to highlight' or 'to stress.' In computing, it is a character used in place of spaces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The metaphorical 'emphasize' sense is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal than 'underline' in the literal sense. In computing, universally understood.
Frequency
More frequent in writing than in speech in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] underscore [NP] (that-clause)[NP] underscore [wh-clause][NP] be underscored by [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to underscore the obvious”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The report's findings underscore the need for a new marketing strategy.
Academic
The data underscore the correlation between the two variables.
Everyday
Let me underscore how important it is to be on time.
Technical
Variable names cannot contain spaces; use an underscore instead.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister's speech served to underscore the government's commitment.
- Please underscore the key terms in the contract.
American English
- The latest events underscore the fragility of the peace process.
- She underscored her name on the form.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as an adjective.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In my email address, there is an underscore between my first and last name.
- The teacher asked us to underscore the correct answers.
- The recent protests underscore the public's dissatisfaction with the policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a score (a line) you put UNDER something. Under + score = underscore.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS BEING UNDERLINED / EMPHASIS IS A VISUAL MARK.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'podcherkivat'' only as 'underscore' in non-literal contexts; 'emphasize' or 'stress' is often more natural.
- The computing character '_' is 'nizhneye podchyorkivaniye' but often just called 'underscore' in IT contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'underscore' as a noun to mean 'underlying reason' (incorrect).
- Confusing 'underscore' (verb) with 'underline' (verb) in all contexts—they are largely synonymous but 'underscore' is more formal for emphasis.
- Misspelling as 'undersocre'.
Practice
Quiz
In computing, an 'underscore' is primarily:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the literal sense, yes. For emphasis, 'underscore' is more formal. In computing, only 'underscore' refers to the '_' character.
It is acceptable but can sound slightly formal. 'Point out', 'emphasize', or 'highlight' are often more casual alternatives.
The noun is also 'underscore,' primarily referring to the character '_' (e.g., 'Use an underscore in the filename').
Yes, primarily in stress. UK: /ˌʌn.dəˈskɔː(r)/ (stress on 'score'). US: /ˈʌn.dɚ.skɔːr/ (stress on 'un').
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