# emphasize

/ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emphasize
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to give special importance or attention to something. You use this when you want to make sure people notice a specific point or idea.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "emphasize on the importance" but "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'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is often followed by a noun phrase or a 'that' clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.