underscore

/ˈʌn.də(ɹ)ˌskɔː(ɹ)/

Group 6Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To underline; to emphasize
GRE

Example in Context

The audit's findings underscored the need for fundamental changes in how the organization managed its financial reporting and internal controls.

Synonyms

emphasizehighlightstress

Etymology

To write beneath — to emphasize or highlight.

  • under- (Old English) — beneath
  • scora (Latin) — to write

Memory Aid

✍️Sounds like “under score

Imagine a teacher saying 'UNDER SCORE this point!' while literally drawing a line under everything!

Visual Association

📌A marker circling important information on a whiteboard, highlighting its significance.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “underscore” mean on the GRE?

underscore (verb) means “To underline; to emphasize”. The audit's findings underscored the need for fundamental changes in how the organization managed its financial reporting and internal controls.

How to remember “underscore” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “underscore” sounds like “under score”. Imagine a teacher saying 'UNDER SCORE this point!' while literally drawing a line under everything!

What are synonyms for “underscore”?

Common synonyms: emphasize, highlight, stress.