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emphasis

/ˈɛmfəsɪs/

In most contexts, 'emphasis' is used as an uncountable noun when referring to general importance (e.g., 'too much emphasis on testing'). When talking about the specific stress on a sound or word in speech, it can be used as a countable noun (e.g., 'the correct emphasis'). It is commonly paired with verbs like 'place', 'put', or 'lay' (e.g., 'to place emphasis on something').

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Leo is in his room playing Valorant while David is at the office.
David Smith

Your teacher says you're slacking. We need more emphasis on your grades, champ.

David Smith
Leo Smith
Leo Smith

cringe. i'm literally carrying my whole squad rn.

💡
David attempts to use a semi-formal term ('emphasis') to sound authoritative, while Leo dismisses him using Gen-Z slang ('cringe', 'carrying'). The tension lies in David's attempt to be the 'cool dad' while delivering a lecture.

Meanings

noun

Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.

"The school puts a strong emphasis on creative arts."

noun

Stress placed on a particular syllable of a word or a particular word in a sentence to make it clearer or more forceful.

"The speaker placed the emphasis on the second syllable of the word."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error