emphasis
Americannoun
plural
emphases-
special stress laid upon, or importance attached to, anything.
The president's statement gave emphasis to the budgetary crisis.
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something that is given great stress or importance.
Morality was the emphasis of his speech.
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Rhetoric.
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special and significant stress of voice laid on particular words or syllables.
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stress laid on particular words, by means of position, repetition, or other indication.
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intensity or force of expression, action, etc..
Determination lent emphasis to his proposals.
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prominence, as of form or outline.
The background detracts from the emphasis of the figure.
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Electronics. preemphasis.
noun
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special importance or significance
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an object, idea, etc, that is given special importance or significance
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stress made to fall on a particular syllable, word, or phrase in speaking
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force or intensity of expression
he spoke with special emphasis on the subject of civil rights
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sharpness or clarity of form or outline
the sunlight gave emphasis to the shape of the mountain
Other Word Forms
- misemphasis noun
- reemphasis noun
- superemphasis noun
Etymology
Origin of emphasis
First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin, from Greek émphasis “indication,” equivalent to em- em- 2 + phásis phasis
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.
The company is placing renewed emphasis on its “freemium” offerings, but that move presents growth challenges in the near term.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026
Attention to detail has always been important at USC, but Abasiri said this year there is an extra emphasis being placed on play-specific details.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
The subtle shifts in mood are a matter of emphasis, and also of Mr. González working in different languages.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
On many occasions domestically, Arsenal's number nine has drifted back to become a number 10 – a different emphasis but with a similarly devastating impact.
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
He and his brother clicked their heels together for emphasis.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
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.
