Definition

Verb: 1. To give special importance, value, or prominence to something in speaking or writing. To make a particular part of a message, idea, or fact more noticeable or significant. 2. To stress or single out as important. To draw attention to a specific point to ensure it is clearly understood and remembered.

Usage and Examples

The verb emphasize is used to indicate that a particular point is especially important. It is often followed by a direct object (what is being emphasized) or a clause introduced by 'that'.

• Direct Object:

  • The manager emphasized the need for punctuality.
  • The report emphasizes the link between diet and health.
  • She emphasized her point by raising her voice.

• Clause with 'that':

  • I must emphasize that this information is confidential.
  • The teacher emphasized that all homework must be submitted on time.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Emphasize vs. Stress: While often interchangeable, emphasize can sometimes feel slightly more formal or academic than stress. Stress is frequently used when urging the importance of something (), whereas emphasize is common when highlighting a key element within a broader context ().
• In Writing: In written text, you can emphasize a word by putting it in , bold, or USING CAPITAL LETTERS.
• Grammatical Structure: It is common to use the structure "emphasize the importance of" something.

Variants and Related Words

• Emphasis (noun): The special importance or significance given to something.
  • The course puts a strong emphasis on practical skills.
• Emphatic (adjective): Expressed or performed with emphasis; forceful and clear.
  • She was emphatic in her denial.
• Emphatically (adverb): In a forceful and definite way.
  • He nodded emphatically.

Synonyms

• Stress: To give particular emphasis or importance to.
  • He stressed the need for careful planning.
• Highlight: To draw special attention to.
  • The article highlights the challenges faced by refugees.
• Underscore: To emphasize or reinforce.
  • The crisis underscores the fragility of the economy.
• Accentuate: To make more noticeable or prominent.
  • The lighting accentuated the lines on his face.

Antonyms

• Understate: To describe or represent something as less important than it really is.
• Downplay: To make something seem less important or significant.
• Minimize: To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or significance.

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Emphasize the importance/significance of
• Emphasize a point
• Emphasize the need for
• Emphasize the fact that...
• Repeatedly emphasize / strongly emphasize

Verb

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