misemphasize

verb

mis·​em·​pha·​size ˌmis-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce misemphasize (audio)
misemphasized; misemphasizing

transitive verb

: to give a misplaced or wrong emphasis to (something)
Inspiration needn't be very apposite; but the appositeness of this "first little throb" has perhaps been misemphasized.—Martin Amis

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misemphasize was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near misemphasize

misemphasis

misemphasize

misemploy

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Misemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misemphasize. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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