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 a point;

   to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   Synonyms:

   highlight, accentuate, accent

---

emphasize British  

/ 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

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

The only way to prevent the disease is to stave off measles infection — and officials emphasize that the best way to do that is to get vaccinated against the disease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Reels, stories and stitches all emphasize our humanity.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

Yet many scientists continue to emphasize RCP8.5 in climate research, with new studies published daily.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

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

He nodded as if to emphasize that what he had said was so.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

Related Words

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