WordLens

emphasize

1 of 1verb
/ˈɛm.fə.ˌsaɪz/
Forms:emphasizes,emphasizing,emphasized,emphasized
1

to give special attention or importance to something

B2transitive
  • Throughout her campaign speech, the candidate emphasized her plans for improving education and healthcare if elected.
  • When explaining directions, I emphasized turning right at the main intersection.
  • Although the report covered many topics, the conclusion strongly emphasized the need for further research on climate change.
  • His use of silence in the speech emphasized the gravity of the situation, leaving the audience in contemplative silence.
2

to highlight something and make it easier to notice by drawing attention toward it

transitive
  • The bold belt emphasized the waistline of the dress, creating an hourglass silhouette.
  • The artist used contrasting colors to emphasize the dramatic effect of the sunset in the painting.
  • The designer used bold colors to emphasize the main features of the website.
  • The photographer used a spotlight to emphasize the model’s silhouette in the dark setting.
  • The chef arranged the garnish to emphasize the dish’s vibrant colors and textures.
3

to give particular importance or attention to a word through vocal inflection or stress

transitive
  • When discussing the importance of teamwork, the coach emphasized the word "collaboration" to underscore its significance.
  • The teacher emphasized the word "responsibility" to remind students of their duties and obligations.
  • In her speech, the speaker emphasized the phrase "social justice" to convey the core values of her advocacy.
  • The manager emphasized the word "integrity" to underscore the company's commitment to ethical business practices.
  • In the presentation, the salesperson emphasized the word "quality" to highlight the superior features of the product.