emphasis

noun

em·​pha·​sis ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce emphasis (audio)
plural emphases ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce emphasis (audio)
Synonyms of emphasisnext
1
a
: force or intensity of expression that gives impressiveness or importance to something
b
: a particular prominence given in reading or speaking to one or more words or syllables
2
: special consideration of or stress or insistence on something

Synonyms

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Examples of emphasis in a Sentence

Our candidate's plan has a different emphasis. a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many schools across Divisions I, II and III place a heavy emphasis on prevention. — Karen Weaver, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Big Freedia’s gospel preaches to both the soul and the body, placing an equal emphasis on her loose, lively band’s slippery funk and the testifying from her gospel choir, who never took a moment of rest. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025 The growing demand for electric kettles was attributed to an increasing awareness and emphasis on energy efficiency. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Flick’s team have placed great emphasis this season on set plays, where positioning is crucial. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emphasis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "use of language to imply more than is actually said, implication" (Late Latin also "appearance," Medieval Latin "prominence of expression, stress"), borrowed from Greek émphasis "appearance in a smooth surface, reflection, outward appearance, setting forth, exposition, significance, force of expression," from empha-, stem in noun derivation of emphaínein "to exhibit, display, indicate," emphaínesthai "to be reflected, become visible" (from em- en- entry 2 + phaínein "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínesthai "to become visible, appear") + -sis -sis — more at fantasy entry 1, phase entry 1

Note: Greek pha- can be a stem in nominal derivation of both phaínein and the verb phēmí, phánai "to speak, say," so that prefixed words formed with it may have senses relating to both appearance and to speech or language, as is the case with émphasis. For the underlying relation between the two verbs see the note at ban entry 1.

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of emphasis was in 1534

Phrases Containing emphasis

Rhymes for emphasis

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Browse Nearby Words

emphasis
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Cite this Entry

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasis. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

emphasis

noun
em·​pha·​sis ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce emphasis (audio)
plural emphases -fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce emphasis (audio)
1
a
: forcefulness of expression
spoke with emphasis
b
: the act or fact of giving stress to a word or syllable when speaking
2
: special attention or importance given to something
put great emphasis on cleanliness

More from Merriam-Webster on emphasis

Nglish: Translation of emphasis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis

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