emphasize

American  

[em-fuh-sahyz] / ˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /

especially British, emphasise

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

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emphasize British  

/ ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of emphasize

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

Explanation

To emphasize is to make something important, or stress it, like when you were little and your parents would always emphasize the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street. They told you again and again and again. And again. The verb emphasize works when you really want to stress a point or give extra weight to an issue. Emphasize comes from words that mean “significance” and “to present or show.” A player who finally makes the varsity team might emphasize this achievement by always wearing his practice jersey — even off the field, or you might emphasize the importance of being on time by locking the door on latecomers.

Example Sentences

Some Angelenos, like David Lefkowith, president of the Mandeville Canyon Assn., hope it will be more accepting of fire-resistant native species and emphasize less expensive home hardening measures.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Although Sonselasuchus looks similar to certain dinosaurs, scientists emphasize that these traits evolved separately.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

His predecessor, Pope Francis, made a point of washing the feet of prison inmates to emphasize his status as a servant of the church for all people, even criminals.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Think of law schools that might otherwise emphasize public-interest law but instead chase students bound for lucrative firms because the high salaries and prestige boost the schools’ rankings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Argentum and Aurum snarled to emphasize the point.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

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