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Definition of underline

underline

/ˌʌndərˈlaɪn/
un · der · line
Plural:underlines
•
Adjective:underlined
•
Past Simple:underlined
•
Past Participle:underlined
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Present Participle:underlining
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• verb

1

To draw a horizontal line underneath a word or phrase in a text.

Example

"The teacher asked the students to underline all the unfamiliar vocabulary words in the passage."

2

To emphasize, stress, or draw special attention to a fact, idea, or quality.

Example

"The recent economic report serves to underline the urgent need for infrastructure investment."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A horizontal line drawn underneath a word or phrase, typically used to add emphasis or indicate a title.

Example

"Please remove the underline from the heading and use bold text instead."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for underline
Antonyms
View all antonyms for underline

• Rhymes for underline

• Nearby Words

underlay
underlayer
underlie
underline
underling
underlip
underlit

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of the prefix 'under-' and 'line', originally referring to the physical act of drawing a line beneath text to indicate importance or deletion.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Underline. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/underline
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