English Reference
verb · noun

highlight

v. · n.
US /ˈhaɪˌɫaɪt/ UK /hˈaɪlaɪt/ high·light

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Academic

    v.to draw special attention to something important.

    v.to make something prominent or to emphasize a specific point within a broader context.

    Simple

    The report highlights the need for better security in the office.

    In context

    The keynote speaker chose to highlight the discrepancy between the projected revenue and the actual quarterly earnings.

    Usage

    Often used in academic or professional writing to introduce a key finding.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.to mark words in a book or on a screen with a bright colour.

    v.to mark passages of text with a different colour, typically using a fluorescent pen or digital tool, for later reference.

    Simple

    I highlighted the most important dates in my history textbook.

    In context

    Students are encouraged to highlight key terminology while reading the primary source material to facilitate easier review before the examination.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to dye small parts of your hair a lighter colour.

    v.to dye specific strands of hair a different, usually lighter, colour than the rest.

    Simple

    She decided to highlight her hair for the summer.

    In context

    The stylist suggested highlighting the front sections to frame her face more effectively.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.the most exciting or important part of an event.

    n.the most significant, interesting, or memorable detail or event within a period of time.

    Simple

    The highlight of our trip was seeing the Grand Canyon at sunset.

    In context

    The documentary provides a fascinating look at the highlights of the artist's career, from her early sketches to her final masterpieces.

    peakclimaxbest part
    low point
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.a very bright or light spot in a photo or painting.

    n.an area of high luminous intensity in an image, drawing, or photograph.

    Simple

    The artist used white paint to create a highlight on the glass bottle.

    In context

    The photographer adjusted the exposure to prevent the highlights on the water's surface from becoming overexposed and losing detail.

    glintreflection
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.lighter or different coloured streaks in someone's hair.

    n.strands of hair that have been tinted or bleached to contrast with the natural hair colour.

    Simple

    She went to the salon to get some blonde highlights.

    In context

    Subtle highlights can add dimension to dark hair without requiring a complete colour change.

Usage highlight the importance · analysis highlight · data highlight


From high + light.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated