Definition
v. to draw a line under a word or phrase to show it is important. You can do this with a pen or a keyboard.
v. to draw a line beneath a word or phrase to indicate emphasis or to highlight a specific point.
Examples
“Please underline the most important words in the text.”
“The teacher asked the students to underline any unfamiliar vocabulary in the chapter to help with their study.”
“By underlining the key arguments in the report, the committee ensured that the executive board would immediately recognize the most critical points during the presentation.”
Examples
simple
“Please underline the most important words in the text.”
contextual
“The teacher asked the students to underline any unfamiliar vocabulary in the chapter to help with their study.”
complex
“By underlining the key arguments in the report, the committee ensured that the executive board would immediately recognize the most critical points during the presentation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “underline” in context.
Verb
01. underline fact
“Please underline the fact that the meeting starts at 8:00 AM so you don't forget.”
verb + noun
02. underline importance
“The teacher used a red pen to underline the importance of the new vocabulary words.”
verb + noun
Etymology
From under- + line.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/underline
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0