WordGarden.iounderscore
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌndəskˈɔː/
US
- /ˌəndərˈskɔr/
Meanings
Verb
to emphasize or make something especially clear
to draw a line under text or mark it with underscore characters
Noun
the _ character used in typing, file names, usernames, and code
background music played under dialogue or action in a film, show, or scene
Beyond the definition
To underscore something is like drawing a line beneath a sentence so nobody misses the point. It can literally mean drawing a real line under words, but it is more often used in a figurative way to show importance or highlight a key detail. Imagine a detective marking clues in a notebook so they stand out. You might underscore an argument with strong evidence or use a specific example to underscore the urgency of a situation. It is all about making something clear, important, and hard to ignore.
The word "underscore" has a very literal history. Before digital bolding and italics were common, people would physically draw a line under words to show emphasis. This act of drawing "under" a "score" (an old term for a mark or line) is exactly where the name comes from. Today, while we still have the underscore character (_) on our keyboards for file names and email addresses, the word is most powerful in its figurative sense.
The primary use today is to emphasize or stress a point. If a speaker "underscores the need for reform," they are shining a spotlight on it. It is a way of saying, "Pay attention to this part; it matters." It can also mean to support a claim by giving a strong example. For instance, a sudden power outage might "underscore the need for a backup generator." In that case, the event itself makes the need feel real and obvious.
Sometimes, "underscore" is confused with "underlie." While "underlie" refers to being the hidden cause or foundation of something, "underscore" is the act of bringing that foundation to light or proving its importance. Whether you are using a pen, a keyboard, or your voice, to underscore is to ensure that the most important facts are seen, heard, and understood.
Examples
- 1
Safety training
Her closing remarks underscored the need for better safety training.
- 2
Survey results
The survey results underscore how worried many parents are about rising costs.
- 3
Planning
Recent delays have only underscored the importance of having a backup plan.
- 4
Serious consequences
The case underscores that small mistakes can have serious consequences.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Pay gap
The difference in pay only underscores the gap between the two groups.
- 6
File names
Use an underscore, not a space, in the file name.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- underscore the importance of
- underscore the need for
- underscore a point
- serve to underscore
Word family
Explore
- emphasis
- rhetorical emphasis
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- underscorenounverb
Forms
- underscorespluralnounverb
- underscoredpast tenseverbnoun
- underscoring-ing formverbnoun