emphasize

[ em-fuh-sahyz ]
See synonyms for: emphasizeemphasizedemphasizesemphasizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),em·pha·sized, em·pha·siz·ing.
  1. to give emphasis to; lay stress upon; stress: to emphasize a point;to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

Origin of emphasize

1
First recorded in 1820–30; emphas(is) + -ize
  • Also especially British, em·pha·sise .

Other words for emphasize

Other words from emphasize

  • hy·per·em·pha·size, verb (used with object), hy·per·em·pha·sized, hy·per·em·pha·siz·ing.
  • mis·em·pha·size, verb (used with object), mis·em·pha·sized, mis·em·pha·siz·ing.
  • re·em·pha·size, verb (used with object), re·em·pha·sized, re·em·pha·siz·ing.
  • su·per·em·pha·size, verb (used with object), su·per·em·pha·sized, su·per·em·pha·siz·ing.
  • un·em·pha·siz·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use emphasize in a sentence

  • She seemed to be purposely emphasising the selfish part of her dissatisfaction out of a kind of reckless defiance.

    Robin Redbreast | Mary Louisa Molesworth
  • A few explanatory words were thrown in, emphasising the highly artistic nature of the Punch and Judy entertainment.

    Black Rock | Ralph Connor
  • But attention has now to be directed to the necessity of emphasising the reality of spirit.

  • Then he drew his chair closer to hers, and emphasising his points with his long forefinger against the palm of his hand, began.

    Thirty | Howard Vincent O'Brien
  • The corrugations add to the strength of the device, the wood fibres closing around them, age and rust but emphasising their grip.

    Woodwork Joints | William Fairham

British Dictionary definitions for emphasize

emphasize

emphasise

/ (ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz) /


verb
  1. (tr) to give emphasis or prominence to; stress

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012