emphasis

noun

em·​pha·​sis ˈem(p)-fə-səs 

plural emphases ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz 

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

• focus
• stress
• weight
• attention

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

The look fluctuates as the show’s emphasis shifts from land to land. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2026

The deep emphasis on health at Wild Orchard is vividly seen in its non-vivid matcha. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

These open-air cans were designed with an emphasis on accuracy and detail. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

Instead, the emphasis is on establishing habits that can carry players through the rest of the offseason and into training camp. — Amari Riley, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing emphasis

• lay great stress/emphasis on
• re-emphasis

Rhymes for emphasis

• emphasise
• overemphasis

Kids Definition

emphasis

noun

em·​pha·​sis ˈem(p)-fə-səs 

plural emphases -fə-ˌsēz 

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