emphasis

noun

em·​pha·​sis ˈem(p)-fə-səs 

plural emphases ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz 

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

• accent
• accentuation
• stress
• underscoring
• weight

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

Top trends: Men’s fashion is returning to its roots, with a strong emphasis on formal wardrobes. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025

Shooting primarily in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains with an emphasis on expansive exteriors, the filmmakers take full advantage of the region’s rustic beauty, from soaring peaks to dense woods and treacherous rivers, to conjure the fictional ochi’s remote habitat, a domain inhospitable to humans. —Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025

Great emphasis has also been placed on creating inviting open green spaces and professionally landscaped common areas with serene walking paths for outdoor enjoyment. —Weichert Realtors® Welch & Company, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025

What accounts for such a striking improvement in the emphasis on evolution in the high school biology classroom? —Glenn Branch, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing emphasis

• lay great stress/emphasis on
• re-emphasis

Kids Definition

emphasis

noun

em·​pha·​sis ˈem(p)-fə-səs 

plural emphases -fə-ˌsēz 

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