emphasize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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reemphasizeverb (used with object)
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misemphasizeverb (used with object)
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superemphasizeverb (used with object)
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hyperemphasizeverb (used with object)
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unemphasizingadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have emphasizedperfect
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has emphasizedperfect 3rd person singular
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is emphasizingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are emphasizingprogressive
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have been emphasizingperfect progressive
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emphasizingparticiple
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am emphasizingprogressive 1st person singular
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has been emphasizingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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emphasizessingular 3rd person
Past
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had emphasizedperfect
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were emphasizingprogressive plural
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had been emphasizingperfect progressive
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emphasizedsimple
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emphasizedparticiple
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was emphasizingprogressive singular
Future
Etymology
Origin of emphasize
First recorded in 1820–30; emphas(is) + -ize
Explanation
To emphasize is to make something important, or stress it, like when you were little and your parents would always emphasize the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street. They told you again and again and again. And again. The verb emphasize works when you really want to stress a point or give extra weight to an issue. Emphasize comes from words that mean “significance” and “to present or show.” A player who finally makes the varsity team might emphasize this achievement by always wearing his practice jersey — even off the field, or you might emphasize the importance of being on time by locking the door on latecomers.
Vocabulary lists containing emphasize
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1
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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Emphasize that it would be better for them to be present — not only to help you, but also to haggle with shoppers and ensure their items are selling for prices they feel are appropriate.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
Emphasize the word “I” and his question is about worthiness due to his lack of obvious qualifications for the monumental leadership position being offered.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
Emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious behavior to a trusted adult.
From Salon • Oct. 21, 2024
Emphasize that there’s still much, so much, to be done—and he can do it, if given another chance.
From Slate • Mar. 11, 2024
Emphasize the lack of true liberty of thought, and lead the children to understand that persecution was a characteristic of the time and not a failing of any particular colony or set of colonists.
From A Short History of the United States by Channing, Edward
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
