emphasis

play

noun em·pha·sis \ ˈem(p)-fə-səs \

Definition of emphasis

plural emphases play \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

See emphasis defined for English-language learners

See emphasis defined for kids

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

Her emphasis on private, religious schools and charter alternatives — a hallmark of her education platform and her years advocating for school choice — also incensed Florida critics.

— kristen m. clark, miamiherald, "DeVos had a public agenda for Florida schools meetings ... and a private one," 30 Aug. 2017
The emphasis on traffic stops also has raised concerns within the African-American community.

— jsonline.com, "Trust damaged between Milwaukee police and community, Department of Justice draft report says," 30 Aug. 2017
As beverage director, Perlman maintains a tight global-facing wine list, with an emphasis on food friendly quaffers like the 2015 Pinot Noir rosé from Scribe, or a zesty, slightly-fizzy Txakolina by Ameztoi from Spain’s Basque region.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Giant," 25 Aug. 2017
The eateries serve his classic farm-to-table style cooking, and take-out counter Louis offers a particular emphasis on healthy fare: a salad bar, poke bowls, and chia bowls in the morning.

— rebecca dolan, Esquire, "What an Internationally Renowned Chef Makes Every Day to Eat Clean," 15 Aug. 2017
The damp, soft conditions just mean Quail Hollow will play a club or two longer in many places and the emphasis is heightened on avoiding the ankle-deep Bermuda rough that’s as thick as oatmeal.

— ron green jr., charlotteobserver, "Will PGA Championship produce storybook duel between Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy?," 9 Aug. 2017
Some of that is luck — staying healthy or getting hurt always includes at least some luck — but more of it is that Andy Reid’s emphasis on quick throws and moving the pocket gives Smith some natural protection.

— sam mellinger, kansascity, "Mellinger Minutes: Royals without Sal Perez, Chiefs with Alex Smith and more," 8 Aug. 2017
Fun with color: The DuPage Children's Museum Colorful ColorFUN Weekend in Naperville puts the emphasis on bright, shiny hues Aug. 12-13.

— Wheaton Glen Ellyn, "Five things to do in the western suburbs Aug. 11-13," 1 Aug. 2017
Violet Grey is a four-year-old site that straddles the world of e-commerce and editorial, with a specific emphasis on luxury.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "Luxury Beauty Brands Might Soon Be Available on Amazon," 26 July 2017

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.