underscore
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈʌndərˌskɔːr/
KK: /ʌndərˌskoʊr/
noun
Definition
A line drawn beneath a word or phrase to emphasize it or indicate that it should be italicized.
Example
In the sentence, the teacher asked us to underscore the important terms.
Conversation
Did you see how she used an underscore in her presentation slides?
Yeah, it really made the key points stand out!
I think it adds a nice touch for emphasis.
Definitely! An underscore can really highlight important information.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
underline
score
line
Antonyms
overline
omit
ignore
transitive verb
Definition
To highlight or make something more noticeable, often to show its importance.
Example
The teacher underscored the importance of studying for the exam.
Tense Forms
Past: underscored
Past Participle: underscored
Conversation
I think we should underscore the importance of teamwork in our presentation.
Absolutely! It’s a key point that everyone needs to understand.
Exactly, I want to make sure we really underscore that during our speech.
Root Explanation
Underscore → It is formed from "under-" (meaning beneath or below) and "score" (from Old French *escorer*, meaning to mark or score). The word "underscore" means to mark something beneath the text, often to emphasize it.
Memory Tip
Think of marking something 'beneath' ('under-') the text to give it more importance — that's what underscore means.
Visually Confused Words
unescorted