emphasis

American  

[em-fuh-sis] / ˈɛm fə sɪs /

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.

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emphasis British  

/ 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

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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

Explanation

While the emphasis, or main focus, for walking a dog might be on "answering the call of nature," the emphasis for the dog might be on chasing squirrels. If you say emphasis a little louder or with extra oomph in your pronunciation, you are putting emphasis on the word. This emphasis makes it clear that special attention, or emphasis, should be given to the word. Now, having repeated emphasis so many times, the "s" sound really stands out, sort of like in the word "stress." When you stress a point, you put emphasis on something — it is the main thing, the emphasis.

Example Sentences

Paul Allen, president of Airship AI, a surveillance intelligence system, said the administration’s emphasis on securing the border has led companies serving other sectors to begin applying their technologies to border security.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Robins frames the emphasis on prediction markets as proactive, writing that “this category is still in its first inning, and we believe DraftKings is best positioned to define it.”

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Brewer said the Callais ruling’s emphasis on intentional discrimination strengthens his claim for access to emails, meeting recordings and other evidence that could show intent.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Plaid Cymru also highlights growth and productivity, but places more emphasis on skills, worker involvement and industrial strategy.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

I pull out the vial and hold it up for emphasis.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Related Words

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