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

This emphasis on user-friendly effectiveness is immediately apparent in CyberFOX’s simple setup approach. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Speaking of dialogue, Zegna wanted to place an emphasis on intimacy and staying in the moment so personal photography was not permitted inside the party, a rarity for a Los Angeles gathering. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026

The effort reflects the group’s increasing emphasis on service and personalization, with made-to-order and personalized products now accounting for more than 20 percent of the business, according to Zegna. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Shane Watts, who reviewed decrease along key categories of crime and an emphasis on deputies being more visible throughout the community. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 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