Words / A2

und-uh-LYN/ˌʌndəˈlaɪn/

Underline means draw a line under words, or show that something is important: underline the title, underline the risk. Highlight is a cousin (marker pen or stress). Understand is a different verb. Under is the short preposition. Do not write underline when you mean undermine (weaken — later) or understand.

Meaning

To draw a line under words to mark them; also to show that something is important.

Examples

• “Underline the key dates in the text.”
• “Underline every adjective in the paragraph.”
• “The report underlines the need for more buses.”

Good to know

underline the title / underline the need. Cousin: highlight. Mix-ups: understand, undermine.

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