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.
Washington said classes are broken into separate days, with emphasis on different muscle groups throughout the week. Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025 One of the ways this adaptation distinguishes itself is through its emphasis on youth. Abigail Lee, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025 Vancouver’s 420 Smokeout is notable for its emphasis on cannabis advocacy, focusing on issues like safe consumption spaces and pushing for better policies for medical marijuana patients. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 To prosper, businesses will become more service-focused, with greater emphasis on interaction, creativity and innovation. Evan J. Schwartz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 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 25 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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