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)
Synonyms of emphasis
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 of emphasis

Relevance
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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.
Precision Strike in a More Contested Environment Another notable element of the demonstration is the emphasis on operating in difficult electronic and environmental conditions. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 Varma’s popularity grew at the height of the British Empire in India, as Western-style oil painting, with its emphasis on depth and chiaroscuro, gained prominence in the country. — Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2026 Bonnell's emphasis on configurable ride modes is therefore more than a technological flex. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 That background led to the company’s emphasis on finding additional possibilities within existing pharmaceutical products. — Emma Clapp, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 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 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

Phrases Containing emphasis

Rhymes for emphasis

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Browse Nearby Words

Empetrum
emphasis
emphasise
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Cite this Entry

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasis. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis

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