First Known Use: 1573
Dictionary
emphasis
noun em·pha·sis \ˈem(p)-fə-səs\
: a forceful quality in the way something is said or written
: added force that is given to a word or syllable when speaking
: special importance or attention given to something
plural em·pha·ses\-ˌsēz\
Full Definition of EMPHASIS
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
See emphasis defined for English-language learners
See emphasis defined for kids
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Origin of EMPHASIS
Latin, from Greek, exposition, emphasis, from emphainein to indicate, from en- + phainein to show — more at fancy
Related to EMPHASIS
- Synonyms
- accent, accentuation, stress, underscoring, weight
- Antonyms
- de-emphasis
EMPHASIS Defined for Kids
emphasis
noun em·pha·sis \ˈem-fə-səs\
plural em·pha·ses \-ˌsēz\
Definition of EMPHASIS for Kids
1
: a forcefulness in the way something is said or written that gives it special attention or importance
2
: special force given to one or more words or syllables in speaking or reading <In the word "vacation," the emphasis is on the second syllable.>
3
: special attention or importance given to something
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