emphasis
/'emfəsis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. Special importance, value, or prominence given to something: The act of giving particular force, attention, or significance to a specific idea, fact, or part of something. 2. Stress laid on a word, phrase, or syllable to make it stand out: In speech, the special force or prominence given to a particular sound, syllable, or word. 3. Intensity or forcefulness of expression: The quality in speech or writing of expressing an idea, feeling, or opinion with particular strength or conviction.
Usage and Examples
- General Importance:
- The school's curriculum places a strong emphasis on science and mathematics.
- In his speech, the mayor put the emphasis on economic recovery.
- Linguistic Stress:
- In the word "emphasis," the emphasis is on the first syllable: EM-fa-sis.
- You can change the meaning of a sentence by shifting the vocal emphasis onto different words.
- Forceful Expression:
- She spoke with great emphasis to ensure her point was understood.
- The report's emphasis on the urgent need for action was clear and powerful.
Advanced Usage
- Lay/Place/Put Emphasis on (something): To give special importance or attention to something.
- The new policy lays great emphasis on environmental protection.
- With Emphasis: In a way that shows something is particularly important.
- He repeated the warning with emphasis.
Variants and Related Words
- Emphasize (verb): To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
- I must emphasize that this is only a temporary solution.
- Emphatic (adjective): Expressed or performed with emphasis; forceful and definite.
- She was emphatic in her refusal.
Synonyms
- Stress: Special importance or significance.
- Importance: The state or fact of being of great significance or value.
- Accent: A distinctive emphasis given to a syllable, word, or note.
- Prominence: The state of being important or famous; the fact of projecting from something.
Idioms and Phrases
- (To place/put) the main emphasis: To identify the most important priority or focus.
- For now, the main emphasis should be on patient safety.
Noun
- the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
- he put the stress on the wrong syllable
- special and significant stress by means of position or repetition e.g.
- intensity or forcefulness of expression
- the vehemence of his denial
- his emphasis on civil rights
- special importance or significance
- the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis
- the room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents