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

Example Sentences

But that also marks a clear transformation in culinary programming from emphasizing the development of proficiency to encouraging consumption.

From Salon

Rather than emphasizing unchangeable characteristics, he presented human beings as malleable over long stretches of time.

From The Wall Street Journal

While public discussion rightly emphasizes colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 and earlier for those at higher risk, routine wellness visits in young adults deserve attention as well.

From The Wall Street Journal

And she always emphasized that the flat wasn’t ours, but Gran’s.

From Literature

Bailey emphasizes their role in the project's success.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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