emphasize
/ˈem.fə.saɪz/- 1.
To give special importance or attention to something. You emphasize a point to make sure people notice it or understand that it matters.
- The teacher emphasized the importance of reading every day.
- She emphasized that all deadlines must be met on time.
- The report emphasizes the need for better safety rules.
- 2.
To make something stand out by using a stronger voice, bold text, or extra detail. In speech or writing, you emphasize a word to signal it is the key idea.
- He spoke slowly to emphasize his final point.
- The heading was bold to emphasize the main topic.
Adinary Nuance
Emphasize is the most neutral and broadly accepted choice in academic and professional English — it fits IELTS essays, business reports, and formal speeches equally well. Stress is a close cousin but sounds more natural in spoken English; in writing it can feel slightly less formal. Highlight shifts the focus toward making something visible or easy to spot, often used in presentations or bullet-point lists rather than argument-driven prose. Underscore carries a more literary or analytical tone and is common in formal written commentary, such as editorials or research papers — if you use it in everyday speech, it may sound stiff.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Nhấn mạnh
- Spanish
- Enfatizar
- Chinese
- 强调
- Japanese
- 強調する
- Korean
- 강조하다
Etymology
From Greek "emphasis" (meaning "significance" or "appearance"), via Latin into English. The verb form "emphasize" came into regular English use in the early 19th century.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is it 'emphasize' or 'emphasise' — which spelling is correct?
- Both are correct. 'Emphasize' is the standard American English spelling, while 'emphasise' is used in British English. For IELTS, either is accepted as long as you are consistent throughout your writing.
- What is the difference between 'emphasize' and 'stress' in academic writing?
- 'Emphasize' and 'stress' are very close in meaning, but 'emphasize' is more commonly used in formal academic and IELTS writing. 'Stress' is fine too, but it also has other meanings (like pressure or tension), so 'emphasize' is less ambiguous.
- Can I use 'emphasize' in an IELTS Task 2 essay?
- Yes, absolutely. It is a high-frequency academic word and a great choice for IELTS writing. For example: 'The author emphasizes that education is the key to development.' It fits naturally in Task 2 arguments.
- What is the noun form of 'emphasize'?
- The noun form is 'emphasis' (plural: 'emphases'). For example: 'There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking in modern education.'