Emphasize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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emphasize
[ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz ]
Definitions
in communication
To emphasize means to give special importance or attention to something. It is to make something stand out or be more noticeable.
Synonyms
accentuate, highlight, underscore.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| emphasize |
Used in general contexts to give something greater importance or make it more noticeable.
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| highlight |
Common in both spoken and written contexts, used to draw attention to something by making it stand out.
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| underscore |
Used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize something as important, often by physically underlining it or metaphorically stressing it.
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| accentuate |
Often used in more formal or literary contexts to stress or highlight specific features.
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Examples of usage
- He emphasized the need for cooperation among team members.
- She emphasized the importance of staying positive in difficult situations.
in design
To emphasize in design means to make something more prominent or noticeable. It is to draw attention to a specific element.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| emphasize |
This word is often used when you want to give special importance to something in speech or writing. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings.
|
| accent |
This word is more commonly used in the context of speech. It can refer to particular emphasis in pronunciation or tone and is often used when discussing language and speaking style.
|
| highlight |
Highlight is typically used when you want to draw attention to specific points or sections, often in text, presentations, or important events. It is suitable for various forms of communication, like academic, professional, or casual.
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| stress |
This word can have a slightly negative connotation and is often used when there is urgency or pressure. It can also be used in both speaking and writing, usually to denote importance or urgency.
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Examples of usage
- The designer emphasized the use of bold colors in the artwork.
- By using a larger font size, the header was emphasized on the webpage.
in speech
To emphasize in speech means to stress or give importance to a particular word or phrase by speaking it with more force or by pausing before or after it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| emphasize |
Use in general situations where you want to make something more noticeable or important in a neutral or positive way.
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| stress |
Suitable for contexts where you highlight something with urgency or importance, sometimes with pressure or concern. Can have a slightly negative connotation.
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| accentuate |
Best for situations where you want to draw special attention to something in a positive or artistic manner.
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Examples of usage
- She emphasized the word 'love' in her speech to convey its significance.
- To emphasize the point, he repeated the phrase three times.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Communication
- In public speaking, speakers often use tone, gestures, and repetition to emphasize key points for better audience engagement.
- Highlighting and underlining in written text is a visual way to emphasize important information.
- In academic writing, using italics or bold text can indicate that certain terms or ideas should be given special attention.
Psychology
- Emphasizing certain facts during a conversation can influence a person's perceptions and attitudes.
- Research shows that emphasis can alter memory recall, making highlighted words more memorable than others.
- Body language can also amplify verbal emphasis; nodding while speaking can reinforce the importance of what's being said.
Art and Literature
- Writers often use emphasis in poetry and prose to draw attention to specific themes or emotions.
- In visual arts, emphasis can be created through contrast, color, or size, making certain elements of the artwork stand out.
- Creating emphasis in storytelling can guide the audience's focus, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
Origin of 'emphasize'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Greek word 'emphasis' meaning 'to show or to signify'.
- It made its way into English in the late 16th century, retaining the same meaning related to stress and importance.
- It's often confused with 'emphasise' which is the British spelling, while 'emphasize' is the American version.
The word 'emphasize' comes from the Greek word 'emphasis', meaning 'significance' or 'prominence'. It entered the English language in the late 18th century with the same meaning of giving importance or prominence to something. Over time, 'emphasize' has become a commonly used word in various contexts to highlight the significance of certain elements.