emphasise
EM-fuh-syz/ˈɛm.fə.saɪz/
Formsemphasises, emphasising, emphasised
US spellingemphasize · also used in the UK
- 1To give special importance or extra weight to something, so that it stands out.
He thumped the table to emphasise his point.
The report emphasises the need for more affordable housing in rural areas.
UsageSay emphasise something, with no on (not
incorrect: emphasise on); on goes with the noun: put emphasis on something.Similarstress, highlight, underline, underscore, accentuate
Oppositedownplay, understate, minimise
Use it in a sentence
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Origin
Formed from emphasis + -ise; emphasis came from Latin, from Ancient Greek.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Emphasise was formed in English from emphasis and -ise; emphasis comes from Latin, from Ancient Greek. en.wiktionary.org
- Emphasise and emphasis share an origin. en.wiktionary.org