emphasize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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reemphasizeverb (used with object)
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unemphasizingadjective
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misemphasizeverb (used with object)
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hyperemphasizeverb (used with object)
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superemphasizeverb (used with object)
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have emphasizedperfect
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has emphasizedperfect 3rd person singular
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has been emphasizingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been emphasizingperfect progressive
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am emphasizingprogressive 1st person singular
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is emphasizingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are emphasizingprogressive
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emphasizingparticiple
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emphasizessingular 3rd person
Past
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had emphasizedperfect
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was emphasizingprogressive singular
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had been emphasizingperfect progressive
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emphasizedsimple
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were emphasizingprogressive plural
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emphasizedparticiple
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing emphasize
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1
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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The researchers emphasize that larger Phase III clinical trials will be needed to confirm the findings and better understand the potential role of both interventions.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
Despite the heavy element of retail participation, analysts and strategists emphasize that the South Korean market has genuine fundamental appeal to investors.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
For Patton Oswalt, it’s at slop bowls, an Internet slang term used to describe fast-casual meals that emphasize efficiency rather than flavor or any soul.
From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026
Employers increasingly emphasize demonstrated competencies, project-based experience and practical problem-solving abilities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
All the names ended with a 7, since there were but seven astronauts in existence, and they wanted to emphasize their unity.
From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
