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.
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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
“The doctor emphasized the importance of regular exercise.”
“She emphasized her point by raising her voice.”
“The company heavily emphasized customer satisfaction.”
“The report emphasized the need for reform.”
“I strongly emphasize that punctuality is essential.”
📝Examples
“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.'”
“Modern education emphasizes critical thinking skills over mere memorization.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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