emphasize

especially British, em·pha·sise

[em-fuh-sahyz]

verb (used with object)

emphasized, emphasizing 

1. to give emphasis to; lay stress upon; stress: to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   to emphasize a point;

   to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   Synonyms: highlight, accentuate, accent

emphasize

/ ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• hyperemphasize verb (used with object)
• misemphasize verb (used with object)
• reemphasize verb (used with object)
• superemphasize verb (used with object)
• unemphasizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of emphasize¹

First recorded in 1820–30; emphas(is) + -ize

Example Sentences

In his Thursday speech to an economics club in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Barr emphasized his nagging concerns about the direction of inflation.

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Carson Group’s Detrick has emphasized in his research that every recent bull run that has made it to its third birthday has continued at least until year five.

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Abortion-rights groups have repeatedly emphasized the safety of medication abortion and have criticized efforts to restrict its access.

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The museum’s motto, “Discover the Past. Protect the Future,” emphasizes scientific understanding as a backdrop to environmental stewardship.

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Mr. Leguizamo eases up on the ferociously funny clowning at which he is so expert to emphasize Nelson’s frantic desperation to avoid having to admit he has failed his family, numbing his anxieties with booze.

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Related Words

• accentuate 
• affirm 
• assert 
• highlight 
• indicate 
• maintain 
• point out 
• reiterate 
• repeat 
• underline 
• underscore