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

• 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

For example, while Western markets typically focus heavily on Valentine's Day in February, markets like China place greater emphasis on Lunar New Year during the same period. —Dr. Bin Tang, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

In recent years, the museum has placed a growing emphasis on telling a more complete story about the nation’s founding. —Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

Gebbie suggested the Trump Organization’s emphasis on building its phone in the U.S—despite domestic manufacturing being unlikely—is to send a message to big companies that U.S. smartphone assembly is possible. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025

The 11th Bentonville Film Festival is underway in Arkansas, the annual event bringing together Oscar caliber talent and films, with an emphasis on inclusion in an industry not known for providing equal access to opportunity. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 June 2025

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 the 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