emphasize
/ˈɛm.fə.saɪz/
It describes the act of throwing weight or attention behind a specific point to ensure it is not overlooked. It is about creating a hierarchy of importance within a conversation, document, or visual design. While 'stress' often implies an urgent or emotional intensity (sometimes bordering on anxiety), 'emphasize' is more neutral and strategic. It suggests a deliberate choice to highlight a particular feature or argument for the sake of clarity or persuasion. In professional and academic settings, it is used to signal the most critical takeaways of a presentation or study. In a visual context, it refers to making something stand out through contrast, size, or color.
💬Casual Conversation
Professor Miller really had to emphasize the 'no extensions' rule today. My essay is cooked.
Duh. Sounds like a skill issue.
Meanings
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
"The report emphasizes the need for immediate climate action."
To make a particular feature or quality more noticeable or prominent.
"The lighting in the room was designed to emphasize the artwork on the walls."
Collocations & Compounds
to emphasize the importance of
To highlight the significance or value of something.
The speaker wanted to emphasize the importance of recycling for the future of the planet.
to emphasize the need for
To stress the requirement or necessity of something.
The report seeks to emphasize the need for immediate action on climate change.
to emphasize a point
To draw particular attention to a specific idea or statement.
She paused in her speech to emphasize a point she felt was crucial.
to emphasize the benefits of
To stress the advantages or positive outcomes of something.
The advertisement aims to emphasize the benefits of using their product.
to emphasize the risks of
To highlight the potential dangers or negative consequences of something.
Health officials continued to emphasize the risks of smoking.