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emphasize — to give special importance or attention to something; to stress or highlight

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to give special importance or attention to something; to stress or highlight

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈemfəˌsaɪz/

Example Sentences

  • My mom always emphasizes that I should eat more vegetables, but she never emphasizes eating more pizza!
  • The weather forecast emphasized the possibility of heavy rain, so don't forget your umbrella!
  • The principal emphasized that sleeping during assembly is not considered 'active listening.'

emphasize

VERB

[/ˈemfəˌsaɪz/]

to give special importance or attention to something; to stress or highlight

The teacher emphasized safety before the science experiment.
💡 Concept

The teacher emphasized safety before the science experiment.

The lawyer emphasized one key piece of evidence during the trial. (EMPHASIZE ≈ "IMPORTANT! FOCUS HERE!")
🧠 Mnemonic

The lawyer emphasized one key piece of evidence during the trial. (EMPHASIZE ≈ "IMPORTANT! FOCUS HERE!")

The teacher emphasized the key idea, helping the students realize it and memorize it.
🎵 Rhyme

The teacher emphasized the key idea, helping the students realize it and memorize it.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈemfəˌsaɪz/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈemfəsaɪz/

🌳Etymology

Prefixem--
Rootphas
Suffix--ize

Origin

From Greek 'emphasis' meaning 'appearance' or 'display,' derived from 'emphainein' (to show or display), combining 'em-' (in) and 'phainein' (to show). The word entered English in the 16th century and evolved to mean giving prominence or special importance to something.

Breakdown

em- (in) + -phasis (appearance/display, from Greek phainein meaning 'to show') = emphasis; then add -ize (verb suffix meaning 'to make or cause to be') = emphasize

🎵Rhyme

realize
compromise
summarize
analyze
recognize

🔗Collocations

emphasize the importance of

“The doctor emphasized the importance of regular exercise.”

emphasize a point

“She emphasized her point by raising her voice.”

heavily emphasize

“The company heavily emphasized customer satisfaction.”

emphasize the need for

“The report emphasized the need for reform.”

strongly emphasize

“I strongly emphasize that punctuality is essential.”

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My mom always emphasizes that I should eat more vegetables, but she never emphasizes eating more pizza!”

“The weather forecast emphasized the possibility of heavy rain, so don't forget your umbrella!”

😄 Fun example

“The principal emphasized that sleeping during assembly is not considered 'active listening.'”

“Modern education emphasizes critical thinking skills over mere memorization.”

📚Related Words

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