emphasize
gb/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz/ us/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 2800
hangsúlyoz, kiemel
VERB
B1
1
hangsúlyoz
B1
kiemel
B1
Usage pattern:
to emphasize [something]
The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time.
A tanár hangsúlyozta, milyen fontos, hogy időben érkezzünk.
She emphasized that everyone must wear protective gear.
Hangsúlyozta, hogy mindenkinek védőfelszerelést kell viselnie.
The article emphasizes the need for urgent action on climate change.
He emphasized his main point by repeating it.
They emphasized safety during the entire training session.
Learner examples
My father emphasized the value of hard work.
Apám hangsúlyozta a kemény munka értékét.
The coach emphasized teamwork before the game.
Az edző a meccs előtt hangsúlyozta a csapatmunka fontosságát.
Please emphasize the main idea in your essay.
She emphasized that we should be careful.
The guide emphasized the rules before the trip.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'emphasize' with 'summarize'; 'emphasize' means to give importance, not to shorten or give only the main points.
Meaning
Give special importance
Collocations
emphasize the importance
|emphasize the need
|emphasize a point
|emphasize safety
|emphasize strongly
Synonyms
stress (Often used in the same way, but can sound slightly more formal or academic.)
|
highlight (Suggests drawing attention visually or figuratively, sometimes less formal.)
Antonyms
downplay (Means to make something seem less important than it really is.)
Themes
communication
|education
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To show that something is important by giving it more attention in speaking or writing.
To give particular attention or importance to something when speaking or writing.
VERB
B2
2
kiemel
B1
hangsúlyoz
B1
Usage pattern:
to emphasize [feature/quality]
The lighting emphasizes the texture of the wall.
A világítás kiemeli a fal textúráját.
This dress emphasizes her eyes.
Ez a ruha kiemeli a szemét.
The design emphasizes clean lines and simplicity.
Good makeup can emphasize your best features.
The photographer used shadows to emphasize the subject's expression.
Learner examples
The bright light emphasizes the red color.
Az erős fény kiemeli a piros színt.
This shirt emphasizes my shoulders.
Ez az ing kiemeli a vállamat.
The music emphasizes the actor's feelings.
Her glasses emphasize her eyes.
The tall building emphasizes the small park nearby.
Meaning
Make more noticeable
Collocations
emphasize facial features
|emphasize contrast
|emphasize shape
|emphasize color
Synonyms
accentuate (More formal and often used in fashion, design, or art contexts.)
Antonyms
obscure (Means to make something harder to see or notice.)
Themes
appearance
|design
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Definition
To make something easier to see or notice.
To make a feature, quality, or detail stand out more clearly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
emphasize
IPA
GB/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz/
US/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
em - phas - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (em)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: emphasize
- 3rd Person Singular: emphasizes
- Present Participle: emphasizing
- Past: emphasized
Word family
Forms
emphasizes
verb
emphasizing
verb
emphasized
verb
Related words
emphatically
adverb C1
overemphasize
verb C1
Negative and opposite forms
de-emphasize
verb
Expressions
cannot emphasize enough
1/kænˈɑt ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
State extreme importance repeatedly
Used to show that something is very, very important.
Examples
- I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to back up your data.
- We cannot emphasize enough the need for safety precautions.
emphasize the importance of
1/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz ðə ɪmpˈɔɹtəns əv/
fixed phrase
Stress that something is important
To say that something matters a lot.
Examples
- The report emphasizes the importance of regular exercise.
- She always emphasizes the importance of honesty in her classes.