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.
Professor Miller really had to emphasize the 'no extensions' rule today. My essay is cooked.
Duh. Sounds like a skill issue.
Duh. Sounds like a skill issue.
Meanings
Examples
Collocations & Compounds
to emphasize the importance of
To highlight the significance or value of something.
to emphasize the need for
To stress the requirement or necessity of something.
to emphasize a point
To draw particular attention to a specific idea or statement.
to emphasize the benefits of
To stress the advantages or positive outcomes of something.