What does emphasize mean?
To emphasize is to give special weight, prominence, or attention to something, whether through words, tone, gesture, or design. A speaker may emphasize a key phrase by slowing down and raising her voice; a report may emphasize the risks of inaction; a teacher may emphasize accuracy over speed. The word carries no strong emotional charge of its own — it is a neutral, workmanlike verb found equally in journalism, academia, business, and daily conversation, making it one of the most useful verbs for describing where attention is directed. Its noun form is emphasis, and its adjective form emphatic describes forceful, unambiguous expression. Because so much communication consists of deciding what matters most, emphasize is indispensable: it names the act of guiding an audience toward what deserves their focus, whether that guidance is delivered aloud, on the page, or in the arrangement of ideas themselves.
verbTo give special importance, attention, or stress to something in speech, writing, or thought; to lay stress on a particular point or idea.
- To give particular importance or attention to something (a topic, point, or value) in speech, writing, or policy.
- To lay vocal stress on a word, syllable, or phrase when speaking.
"The report emphasizes the need for early intervention in childhood education."
"The prime minister used her speech to emphasize the government's commitment to renewable energy."
"In English, we often emphasize a key word by raising our voice slightly."
When you emphasize something, you're literally 'showing it inside' — from Greek roots meaning to display within — which is exactly what a good speaker does with an idea.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of emphasize
Emphasize derives from the noun emphasis, which English borrowed in the 16th century from Latin emphasis, itself taken from Greek émphasis meaning 'significance' or 'indication', formed from em- ('in') and phainein ('to show'). The verb emphasize was formed in English during the late 18th century by adding the verbal suffix -ize. It thus shares its root with emphatic and emphatically.
Related word forms
How emphasize is actually used
Emphasize is neutral in register and common in both formal and everyday contexts. In British English it is standard; American English also uses it widely. It is typically transitive and usually takes a noun clause, gerund, or 'the + noun' object rather than a bare infinitive.
Easily confused with emphasize
Emphasis is the noun meaning special stress or importance, while emphasize is the verb meaning to apply that stress.