emphasize
gb/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz/ us/ˈɛmfəsˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Give special importance
To show that something is important by giving it more attention in speaking or writing.
Usage pattern:
to emphasize [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'emphasize' with 'summarize'; 'emphasize' means to give importance, not to shorten or give only the main points.
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.)
Collocations
emphasize the importance
|emphasize the need
|emphasize a point
|emphasize safety
|emphasize strongly
Themes
communication
|education
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time.
- She emphasized that everyone must wear protective gear.
- 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.
- The coach emphasized teamwork before the game.
- Please emphasize the main idea in your essay.
- She emphasized that we should be careful.
- The guide emphasized the rules before the trip.
Verb
B2
action
2
Make more noticeable
To make something easier to see or notice.
Usage pattern:
to emphasize [feature/quality]
Synonyms
accentuate (More formal and often used in fashion, design, or art contexts.)
Antonyms
obscure (Means to make something harder to see or notice.)
Collocations
emphasize facial features
|emphasize contrast
|emphasize shape
|emphasize color
Themes
appearance
|design
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The lighting emphasizes the texture of the wall.
- This dress emphasizes her eyes.
- 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.
- This shirt emphasizes my shoulders.
- The music emphasizes the actor's feelings.
- Her glasses emphasize her eyes.
- The tall building emphasizes the small park nearby.
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.