Langimage
English

underline

|un/der/line|

B1

🇺🇸

/ˈʌndərˌlaɪn/

🇬🇧

/ˈʌndəˌlaɪn/

emphasize by marking

Etymology
Etymology Information

'underline' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'underlinen,' where 'under-' meant 'beneath' and 'linen' meant 'to draw a line.'

Historical Evolution

'underlinen' transformed into the modern English word 'underline' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to draw a line beneath,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a line drawn under a word or phrase for emphasis.

The teacher used an underline to highlight the important terms.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to draw a line beneath something, especially to emphasize it.

Please underline the key points in the document.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35