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Emphasizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emphasizing

[ˈɛmfəˌzaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

highlighting importance

Emphasizing is the act of giving special importance or significance to something. This can be done through vocal stress, body language, or visual cues. It is often used in communication to ensure that a particular point is understood clearly and acknowledged by the audience. Emphasizing can also involve the use of repetition, specific phrasing, or tonal variations to draw attention to key ideas or elements.

Synonyms

accentuating, highlighting, reinforcing, stressing, underscoring.

Examples of usage

  • She was emphasizing the need for teamwork during the meeting.
  • The teacher emphasized the importance of studying for the exam.
  • In his speech, he kept emphasizing the dangers of climate change.
  • The book emphasizes the role of family in personal development.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication

  • In spoken language, people often emphasize words by changing their tone or volume.
  • Emphasizing can help listeners understand which parts of a message are most important and need their attention.

Psychology

  • Research shows that when we emphasize certain information, people are more likely to remember it later.
  • Emphasis can trigger emotional responses, making communication more impactful.

Literature

  • Writers use emphasis in poetry and prose to highlight themes or feelings, creating stronger connections with readers.
  • Literary devices like italics, bold, and exclamation marks are often used to provide emphasis in texts.

Education

  • Teachers often emphasize key points during lessons to help students focus on the most important concepts.
  • Using visual aids, like bullet points or colors, in lectures can also help to emphasize critical information for better understanding.

Origin of 'emphasizing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'emphaino,' which means to show or to display.
  • It made its way into English in the late 16th century, through the Latin 'emphasis', which also means stressing or showing importance.

The word 'emphasizing' originates from the Greek word 'emphainein', which means 'to show, exhibit, make known'. This root evolved into the Latin 'emphaticus', which conveyed a sense of emphasis in communication. The term has undergone transformations through various languages and has been assimilated into English usage around the late 15th century. 'Emphasize' itself became more prominent in English literature during the 17th century, particularly in the rhetoric and education sectors as speakers and writers began to realize the power of emphasis in persuasion. Over time, the act of emphasizing ideas has become a crucial aspect of effective communication in both written and spoken forms, especially in the context of teaching, public speaking, and interpersonal dialogues.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,914 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.