Definition

1. Verb:
   • To stress, single out as important: To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
   • To give extra weight to (a communication): To make a part of a message, statement, or idea more forceful or noticeable.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The teacher will emphasise the key points at the end of the lecture.
  • He emphasised the need for immediate action.
  • The report emphasises the link between poverty and poor health.
  • She emphasised her words by speaking slowly and clearly.

Advanced Usage

• "to emphasise that...": Used to introduce a clause that is the specific point being stressed.
  • I must emphasise that this is only a temporary solution.
• "cannot be overemphasised": Used to state that something is extremely important.
  • The importance of early detection cannot be overemphasised.

Variants and Related Words

• Emphasis (n): Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
  • The course puts a strong emphasis on practical skills.
• Emphatic (adj): Expressed or performed with emphasis; forceful and definite.
  • She was emphatic in her refusal.

Synonyms

• Stress: To give particular emphasis or importance to a point, idea, or detail.
• Highlight: To draw special attention to.
• Accentuate: To make more noticeable or prominent.
• Underline: To emphasize or reinforce.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• Lay/Place emphasis on: To give special importance or attention to something.
  • The new policy lays great emphasis on environmental protection.

Verb

1. to stress, single out as important
   • Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
2. give extra weight to (a communication)
   • Her gesture emphasized her words