What does highlighting mean?
Highlighting is the act or practice of making something stand out. It can refer specifically to marking words or passages in a document with a contrasting color or style, as when a reader highlights important information. More broadly, it means drawing attention to an idea, issue, feature, or achievement: a report may highlight an important finding, while a spokesperson may highlight the company’s progress. The word is used widely in education, publishing, business, journalism, and everyday speech. It suggests a deliberate act of selection and emphasis rather than making something visible by chance. Highlighting can be positive, as when it calls attention to success, or cautionary, as when it identifies risks or problems. Because it is based on the idea of making something visually prominent, it also metaphorically describes giving particular attention to evidence, perspectives, or concerns.
The act of emphasizing or making something more noticeable, especially by marking text so that it stands out.
"The highlighting of the main argument helped readers follow the discussion."
In educational and publishing contexts, it can refer specifically to the use of contrasting color or styling to mark text.
To emphasize, draw attention to, or identify something as especially important or noteworthy.
"The review highlights several limitations in the study."
Common in formal writing and discussion, especially when referring to key findings, concerns, features, or differences.
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly when referring to multiple acts or instances of emphasizing or marking text.
"The editor made several highlightings in the manuscript."
From “high” and “light,” highlighting began by literally making something stand out in a brighter field—and now it does the same for ideas, details, and concerns.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does highlighting come from?
The word “highlight” is a compound formed in the 19th century from “high” and “light.” Its earliest uses were associated with drawing attention to a point in a written or printed text. The compound reflects the idea of a bright mark that stands out against its surroundings. Over time, the word extended from visual emphasis to the broader sense of calling attention to something important.
Related word forms
How highlighting is actually used
Highlighting is common in formal and informal contexts. In educational and technical writing, it often refers specifically to marking text with a contrasting color or style; in general use, it has the broader sense of emphasizing a point.