underline - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
underline Word Meanings
- to draw a line under something
- to emphasize or highlight
- to support or reinforce
underline Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
underline Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈʌndəlaɪn/
US
/ˈʌndərlaɪn/
underline Word Etymology
under- = beneath, line = a long mark; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine drawing a line beneath text to give it importance, like a spotlight highlighting what matters.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Underline is a verb used to place a line beneath text to signal importance or draw attention, and it can also metaphorically emphasize ideas or arguments. In everyday writing, you might underline a key term to show it matters, or when presenting notes, to mark supporting details. The sense 'to support or reinforce' often appears in discussions about evidence or claims, and can carry a slightly formal tone. Etymology traces back to under- and line, imagining a line drawn beneath words like a spotlight. In modern digital usage, underlining is less common because bold or italics are preferred for emphasis, but it remains a clear, explicit cue in many contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Underline for explicit emphasis only; avoid using it for hyperlinks on the web. Use bold or italics for emphasis in most digital text. In print, reserve underlining for headings or official notes. Keep it consistent: don’t underline the same thing in multiple ways. Limit underlining to short phrases or terms rather than long passages. Consider your audience: formal documents may favor underlining, while casual writing rarely needs it.
Common Misconceptions
- Underlining is the same as bolding or italicizing; they are all emphasis, not distinct marks.
- Underlines always indicate hyperlinks on the web, so avoid adding links by underlining.
- A line under a word can imply a hyperlink in print as well, which is not always true.
- Using underline in casual writing sounds old-fashioned or formal, depending on context.
- Underline should only be used for nouns or technical terms, not for verbs or adjectives.
Thinking Differences
In English, underline signals explicit, direct emphasis; learners often toggle between underline and bold/italics depending on medium, and may overuse it in informal writing where in-text highlighting is expected to be subtler.
Learning Tips
- Compare underline with bold and italics to understand nuance.
- Practice identifying when underlining is appropriate in print vs digital text.
- Notice how underlining can resemble hyperlinks on the web and adjust accordingly.
- Use underlines for short, key terms; avoid long phrases.
- Pair underline with a clear key term to prevent visual clutter.
- Test readers' reactions to underline in different contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'underline'?
A.Highlight
B.Emphasize
C.Mark
D.Draw
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'underline' used correctly?
A.Please underline the important points in the text.
B.She drew a line under the paragraph.
C.He painted over the underlined words.
D.The teacher circled the underlines in red.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'underline'?
A.Highlight
B.Neglect
C.Overlook
D.Ignore
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'underline'?
A.Accentuate
B.Mark
C.Erase
D.Emphasize
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use 'underline' in a real-life context?
A.She highlighted instead of underlining the important information.
B.Let's overlook the underlined parts of the document.
C.I need to underline the key points in my presentation slides.
D.He always neglects to underline the important details.
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