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Synonyms

highlight

American  
[hahy-lahyt] / ˈhaɪˌlaɪt /

verb (used with object)

highlighted, highlighting
  1. to emphasize or make prominent.

    The lawsuit against the landlord highlighted the need for a stricter building code.

    Synonyms:
    feature, underline, accent, stress
  2. to mark with a felt-tip highlighter.

    I started highlighting the text (yellow for important ideas, blue for dates and facts), but I'm not sure it was productive in the long run.

  3. to create highlights in (a photograph or engraving).

  4. to dye (parts of the hair) lighter.

  5. to apply makeup to (the face) in places where light would naturally hit, to create a glowing effect.

    After blending the foundation, highlight the cheekbones.


noun

  1. Sometimes high light an important, conspicuous, memorable, or enjoyable event, scene, part, or the like: the highlight of the concert series.

    the highlight of his talk;

    the highlight of the concert series.

  2. the area of most intense light on a represented form, as in a painting or photograph.

  3. Usually highlights a section of hair that has been dyed lighter.

highlight British  
/ ˈhaɪˌlaɪt /

noun

  1. an area of the lightest tone in a painting, drawing, photograph, etc

  2. the most exciting or memorable part of an event or period of time

  3. (often plural) a bleached blond streak in the hair

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. painting drawing photog to mark (any brightly illuminated or prominent part of a form or figure) with light tone

  2. to bring notice or emphasis to

  3. to be the highlight of

  4. to produce blond streaks in (the hair) by bleaching

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does highlight mean? To highlight something is to emphasize it or make it more prominent, as in Last class, the biology teacher highlighted the material we would need to know for the test.To highlight also means to mark something on paper with a highlighter. A highlighter is a felt-tipped pen with a soft, translucent color used to mark words and images on a printed page. Many students and readers highlight passages in textbooks and other materials to help them remember the passages better.A highlight is the best or most prominent part of something. You can often watch the highlights of a sporting event or TV show online. Your study notes might be just the highlights of your teacher’s lectures, and if you keep a journal or diary, you might only record the highlights of your day.Example: I try to highlight the best members of a community in my stories.

Etymology

Origin of highlight

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; high + light 1

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.

“I think all of us working on plans have in common the desire to honor Jimmy and highlight how much Key West meant and means to his work and his millions of fans,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The study also highlights the need to examine whether pests have developed resistance or detoxification strategies when biological pesticides are used.

From Science Daily

The report said the finances of health and social care services were in a critical state and highlighted struggles recruiting and retaining staff.

From BBC

The concern over his back was highlighted by him then missing the last two Tests and doubts over his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

From BBC

The team's findings highlight an aspect of mathematics that is often overlooked.

From Science Daily