emphasis

[em-fuh-sis]

noun

plural

emphases 

1. special stress laid upon, or importance attached to, anything.

   The president's statement gave emphasis to the budgetary crisis.

2. something that is given great stress or importance.

   Morality was the emphasis of his speech.

3. Rhetoric.

   1. special and significant stress of voice laid on particular words or syllables.

   2. stress laid on particular words, by means of position, repetition, or other indication.

4. intensity or force of expression, action, etc..

   Determination lent emphasis to his proposals.

5. prominence, as of form or outline.

   The background detracts from the emphasis of the figure.

6. Electronics.,  preemphasis.

emphasis

/ ˈɛmfəsɪs /

noun

1. special importance or significance

2. an object, idea, etc, that is given special importance or significance

3. stress made to fall on a particular syllable, word, or phrase in speaking

4. force or intensity of expression

   he spoke with special emphasis on the subject of civil rights

5. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emphasis¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin, from Greek émphasis “indication,” equivalent to em- em- ² + phásis phasis

Word History and Origins

Origin of emphasis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: meaning, (in rhetoric) significant stress; see _emphatic

Example Sentences

Despite his emphasis on artificial intelligence ventures, Tesla still relies heavily on its core car business, which has been under pressure on multiple fronts.

From BBC

But Alonso's reshaping of Madrid - his rotations, his emphasis on tactical structure - has made Vinicius one of several options on the left, no longer the guaranteed starter he was under Carlo Ancelotti.

From BBC

However, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an emphasis on joy, unity and cultural pride.

From BBC

Moody said the emphasis was staying in the moment.

From BBC

Whether it’s Morton’s perpetually scowling expression in the infrequent cutaways to Brian’s life back home or the on-the-nose emphasis on looming gray clouds, there’s no question a storm is coming.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attention 
• insistence 
• intensity 
• priority 
• significance 
• strength 
• stress 
• weight