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

---

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

Example Sentences

I gave him bell hooks’ “All About Love,” which emphasizes the necessity for honesty in all partnerships.

From Los Angeles Times

Goldman’s analysts emphasize that the sharpest move in prices has been focused on contracts closer to nearer-term delivery.

From MarketWatch

Analysts Rob Oliver and Patrick Schulz say ServiceNow has long emphasized its organic innovation and single platform advantage, but it seems like that strategy is changing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Target has encouraged leaders to check in with their staff and emphasize the flexibility workers have to work from home if they prefer, people familiar with the situation said.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Seroka shared his vision for the future in the cavernous AltaSea facility, he emphasized the need to build bigger and smarter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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