Definition of emphasis
emphases
play \ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz\1a : force or intensity of expression that gives impressiveness or importance to somethingb : 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
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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 of emphasis from the Web
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Esa Hill's intensive offseason routine included a considerable emphasis on strength training.
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Germany’s emphasis on exports is in part a result of government policies over the years.
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Placing so much emphasis on this mystery meant the episode, clearly positioned as a tense set-up before the election results are revealed, felt listless and circular rather than riveting.
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Board members said despite the healthcare emphasis, the overall vibe seemed to celebrate pot culture.
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As the Huskies loosened up and shifted their attention from quantity to quality and emphasis on tough defense, the runs started coming again.
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As people live longer lifespans, more emphasis will go toward improving their health through basic activity and nutrition, which will hopefully affect the bottom line in health care costs.
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Katherine Badskey recently graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in civil and environmental engineering with an emphasis on environmental engineering and hydrology.
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The Vatican said in a statement that the talks focused on international affairs and the promotion of peace, with particular emphasis on health care, education and immigration.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emphasis'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of emphasis
Latin, from Greek, exposition, emphasis, from emphainein to indicate, from en- + phainein to show — more at fancy
First Known Use: 1534
EMPHASIS Defined for English Language Learners
emphasis
playDefinition of emphasis for English Language Learners
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: a forceful quality in the way something is said or written
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: added force that is given to a word or syllable when speaking
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: special importance or attention given to something
EMPHASIS Defined for Kids
emphasis
playDefinition of emphasis for Students
emphases
\-ˌsēz\1 : a forcefulness in the way something is said or written that gives it special attention or importance
2 : special force given to one or more words or syllables in speaking or reading In the word "vacation," the emphasis is on the second syllable.
3 : special attention or importance given to something
Learn More about emphasis
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for emphasis Spanish Central: Translation of emphasis Nglish: Translation of emphasis for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of emphasis for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis
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