Word
emphasize
Phoneticsem·pha·size, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/
UK spelling · emphasise
Definition
v. to give special importance or attention to something. You use this when you want to make sure people notice a specific point or idea.
v. to give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The teacher used a red pen to emphasize the main points.”
“During the job interview, you should emphasize your previous experience to show you are the right candidate.”
“The report seeks to emphasize the correlation between early childhood education and long-term economic stability, urging policymakers to increase funding for local preschool programs.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher used a red pen to emphasize the main points.”
contextual
“During the job interview, you should emphasize your previous experience to show you are the right candidate.”
complex
“The report seeks to emphasize the correlation between early childhood education and long-term economic stability, urging policymakers to increase funding for local preschool programs.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “emphasize” in context.
Verb
01. emphasise aspect
“We need to emphasise this specific aspect of the plan during the presentation.”
verb + noun
02. emphasise difference
“The author uses contrasting imagery to emphasise the difference between the two characters.”
verb + noun
03. emphasise importance
“The teacher wanted to emphasise the importance of regular practice for language learning.”
verb + noun
04. emphasise nature
“The documentary serves to emphasise the fragile nature of the local ecosystem.”
verb + noun
05. emphasise need
“Recent events emphasise the need for better security measures in the city.”
verb + noun
06. emphasise point
“He raised his voice slightly to emphasise the point he was making.”
verb + noun
07. emphasise role
“The manager's speech was intended to emphasise the role of teamwork in our success.”
verb + noun
08. emphasise significance
“The report aims to emphasise the significance of the new findings in medical research.”
verb + noun
09. emphasise value
“The company continues to emphasise the value of customer feedback.”
verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is often followed by a noun phrase or a 'that' clause.
Pitfall
emphasize on the importance
emphasize the importance
Emphasize is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'on'. Learners often confuse it with the noun 'emphasis', which does take 'on'.
Real-World Examples
“O'Callaghan said it was important to emphasise that social media companies "have a big responsibility in respect of this".” “Gordon also emphasizes that there are other evidence-based treatments for people seeking PMDD relief – more on this below.” Etymology
Latin, from Ancient Greek – see emphasis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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