emphasis
emphasis Lexical Profile
emphasis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
"The school places a strong emphasis on science and mathematics."
Stress laid on a word or words to indicate special meaning or particular importance in speech, or vocal prominence given to a particular syllable in pronunciation.
"In the word 'important', the phonetic emphasis falls on the second syllable."
Vigorous or forceful expression, feeling, or action.
"She shook her head with unmistakable emphasis when asked if she would reconsider."
Word Nuance & Usage
The plural of 'emphasis' is 'emphases' (pronounced EM-fuh-seez), following the standard pattern for words of Greek origin ending in '-is'. It normally takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon' (e.g., 'put an emphasis on quality').
• Rhymes for emphasis
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Latin from Ancient Greek 'emphasis' ('significance, implied meaning, or outward appearance'), derived from 'emphainein' ('to exhibit or display'), from 'em-' ('in') and 'phainein' ('to show').