How to pronounce underline
Say it like UHN-der-lyne. Underline has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underline. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- lyne
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underline pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- lyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of underline
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-lyne.
What does underline mean?
- To draw a line underneath something, especially to add emphasis.“underline the important words in the text”
- To emphasize or stress something.
- A line placed underneath a piece of text in order to provide emphasis or to indicate that it should be viewed in italics or (in electronic documents) that it acts as a hyperlink.
- The character _.
- An announcement of a theatrical performance to follow, placed in an advertisement for the current one.
- Passing under a railway line.
Where does underline come from?
From under- + line.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- underscore
- emphasize
- emphasise
Questions about saying underline
How do you pronounce underline?
Say UHN-der-lyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌlaɪn/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌlaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underline?
Underline has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · lyne.
Is underline pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʌndəˌlaɪn/ (UHN-duh-lyne).