emphasis
gb/ˈɛmfəsɪs/ us/ˈɛmfəsɪs/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
special importance or attention
When you give more attention or importance to something than to other things.
Usage pattern:
place/put emphasis on [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'emphasis' (noun) with 'emphasize' (verb).
Synonyms
importance (A general term for significance; lacks the idea of deliberate highlighting.)
|
stress (Often used similarly in communication contexts, but can also mean physical or emotional strain.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to give proper attention or importance.)
Collocations
place emphasis
|put emphasis
|strong emphasis
|emphasis on quality
|emphasis on safety
Themes
communication
|education
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher placed great emphasis on the importance of reading.
- In his speech, he put emphasis on the need for unity.
- The company has a strong emphasis on customer service.
- The report places special emphasis on environmental issues.
- She spoke with an emphasis on fairness and equality.
Learner examples
- The teacher puts emphasis on homework.
- He puts emphasis on healthy food.
- They place emphasis on good service.
- We put emphasis on safety at work.
Noun
B2
action
2
extra force in speaking
When you say a word more strongly to show it is important.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that 'emphasis' in speech can change meaning.
Synonyms
stress (Technical linguistic term for the stronger pronunciation of a syllable or word.)
Antonyms
monotone (Speech without variation in stress or pitch.)
Collocations
word emphasis
|sentence emphasis
|emphasis in speech
Themes
communication
|language
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She placed the emphasis on the first syllable of the word.
- In English, we often use emphasis to change the meaning of a sentence.
- The actor used emphasis to make his lines more powerful.
Learner examples
- He said the word with emphasis.
- Put emphasis on the second word.
- She spoke with strong emphasis.
Noun
B2
entity
3
special visual focus in design
When part of a picture, design, or page is made to stand out more than other parts.
Synonyms
highlight (A feature that stands out; can be visual or metaphorical.)
Antonyms
uniformity (Lack of visual contrast or distinction.)
Collocations
visual emphasis
|emphasis in design
|emphasis on color
Themes
art
|design
|arts_entertainment
|communication
|education
Examples
- The artist used bright colors for emphasis.
- In web design, emphasis can guide the user's eye.
- The red text draws emphasis to the warning message.
Learner examples
- The red dress gives emphasis to her look.
- Designers use color for emphasis.
- The big title gives emphasis to the main idea.
Grammar
Dictionary form
emphasis
IPA
GB/ˈɛmfəsɪs/
US/ˈɛmfəsɪs/
Syllables & stress
em - phas - is (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (em)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: emphasis
- Plural: emphases, emphasis
Word family
Forms
emphases
noun
Core family
Related words
emphasise
verb
Advanced or less common
overemphasis
noun
deemphasize
verb
Expressions
place emphasis on
1/plˈeɪs ˈɛmfəsɪs ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
give special importance to something
To give special attention or importance to something.
Examples
- The manager placed emphasis on teamwork during the meeting.
- Our school places emphasis on creativity and problem solving.
put emphasis on
1/pˈʊt ˈɛmfəsɪs ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
give special importance to something
To give special attention or importance to something.
Examples
- The article puts emphasis on the benefits of exercise.
- He put emphasis on safety during his speech.
with an emphasis on
1/wˈɪθ ən ˈɛmfəsɪs ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
having a focus mainly on something
Having a main focus on something.
Examples
- The program is designed for children, with an emphasis on fun and learning.
- This course covers modern history, with an emphasis on the 20th century.