Reading Theme:
Underline: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：mark with a line below (underline)
underline
/ˌʌndərˈlaɪn/
vt.
To draw a line directly underneath a word or sentence.
mark with a line below
➕
/mɑːrk wɪð ə laɪn bɪˈloʊ/
vt.
The action of drawing a straight line directly beneath written or printed words, typically to indicate importance or for later reference.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'under' (beneath) + 'line' (a stroke or mark). Literally, to draw a line underneath something.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a line UNDER your text, making it stand out. UNDER + LINE = UNDERLINE.
📖 Example
When I review my notes, I underline the key sentences with a blue pen so I can find them easily later.
When I review my notes, I mark the key sentences with a line below them using a blue pen so I can find them easily later.
🔗 Collocations
underline text – to mark specific written content with a line beneath it
heavily underline – to draw a very distinct or thick line underneath
in red ink – using a red pen to perform the underlining
🔄 Synonyms
highlight (vt.) – To mark text with a bright color for emphasis, not necessarily a line.
mark (vt.) – To make a visible sign on something, a broader term that includes underlining.
underscore (vt.) – Literally synonymous with 'underline'; also used metaphorically for emphasis.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
underlining (n.) – The line itself that is drawn beneath text.
underlined (adj.) – Describing text that has a line drawn beneath it.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'underline' originates from the combination of Old English elements 'under' and 'line.' Its concrete sense of marking text dates to the era of manuscripts and early printing. The metaphorical use for emphasis emerged later, becoming standard in academic, editorial, and business communication to highlight key points.
Meaning 2：emphasize (underline)
underline
/ˌʌndərˈlaɪn/
vt.
To make something seem more important or noticeable.
emphasize
➕
/ˈemfəsaɪz/
vt.
To give special importance or draw attention to a fact, idea, or feeling, making it more noticeable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In her speech, the mayor chose to underline the need for more parks by sharing stories from local families.
In her speech, the mayor chose to emphasize the need for more parks by sharing stories from local families.
🔗 Collocations
underline the importance – to stress the significance of something
clearly underline – to make a point unmistakably evident
in a presentation – a common context where key points are underlined verbally or visually
🔄 Synonyms
stress (vt.) – To place special importance or emphasis on something.
accentuate (vt.) – To make something more prominent or noticeable.
highlight (vt.) – To draw attention to or emphasize a particular part.
🚫 Antonyms
downplay (vt.) – To make something seem less important or significant.
understate (vt.) – To describe or represent something as being smaller or less important than it actually is.
Wordbook
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