υπογραμμίζω
Lemma: υπογραμμίζω
Translation: to underline; to underscore; to emphasize; to highlight; to stress (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὑπό (hypo, meaning 'under') + γραμμή (gramme, meaning 'line'). The prefix ὑπό is cognate with English 'hypo-' as in 'hypothesis' or 'hypochondriac'. The root γραμμή shares origins with English 'grammar', 'telegram', and 'diagram' - all relating to writing or lines. This compound literally means 'to draw a line under', making it a perfect cognate for English 'underline'. The metaphorical extension to 'emphasize' parallels exactly how English uses 'underline' and 'underscore' figuratively.
Example Usage
Ο καθηγητής υπογράμμισε τα σημαντικά σημεία του κειμένου.
The professor underlined the important points of the text.
Θέλω να υπογραμμίσω τη σημασία της συνεργασίας.
I want to emphasize the importance of cooperation.
Υπογράμμισε τις λέξεις που δεν καταλαβαίνεις.
Underline the words you don't understand.
Υπογράμμισε τις σημαντικές λέξεις στο κείμενο.
Underline the important words in the text.
Θέλω να υπογραμμίσω τη σημασία αυτού του θέματος.
I want to emphasize the importance of this issue.
Ο καθηγητής υπογράμμισε τα κύρια σημεία της διάλεξης.
The professor highlighted the main points of the lecture.
Mnemonics
- Think 'hypo-' (under) + 'grammar' (writing/lines) = underline
- Remember 'hypothesis' starts with 'hypo-' meaning under, just like underlining goes under text
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in educational contexts, academic writing, and formal presentations. Often appears in instructions for students and in business communications when emphasizing important points.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: υπογράφω means 'to sign' while υπογραμμίζω means 'to underline'. Both start with υπο- but have different roots and meanings.
Confused word:
Υπογράφω το έγγραφο.
I sign the document.
Notes: Both are common verbs in academic and business contexts, so distinguishing them is important for clear communication.
Mnemonic: υπογραμμίζω has 'γραμμ-' (line) for underlining, υπογράφω has 'γραφ-' (write) for signing