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)
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

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.
An Administration emphasis on generating public support for regulatory reforms directed at pocketbook issues might prove helpful. Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 There is one good sign that came out of Wednesday’s presser: Wilson’s emphasis on leadership as a major need clearly came from the Giants’ brass. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025 Here’s a look at some positions of need and prospects who could make sense — with a heavy emphasis on edge rushers. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 Under the pact, Reynolds and his team will develop and executive produce comedy, drama, limited and unscripted series for all linear networks and streamers, with an emphasis on platforms across Disney Entertainment Television. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasis. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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

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