ENGLISH
REFERENCE

emphatic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛmˈfætɪk// UK //ɛmfˈætɪk// em·phat·ic

adj. showing or saying something in a very strong and clear way. You use this when you want to make sure there is no doubt about what you mean.

adj. expressing something with strong emphasis or force to leave no doubt. Often describes a statement, a refusal, or a victory that is decisive and absolute.


SIMPLE

She gave an emphatic 'no' to the proposal.

CONTEXTUAL

The team secured an emphatic victory, winning the final match by five goals to zero.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting pressure from the board, the CEO issued an emphatic denial of the merger rumours, insisting that the company would remain independent.

Synonyms
Origin

From Ancient Greek ἐμφατικός (emphatikós, “emphatic”), from ἐμφαίνω (emphaínō, “I show, present”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + φαίνω (phaínō, “I shine, show”); related to ἔμφασις (émphasis) and English emphasis.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns related to communication, such as 'denial', 'refusal', or 'statement'.

© 2026 English Reference