Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
emphasis

em·pha·sis

emphasis

 
 
pronunciation:
em f sihs
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Parts
part of speech: noun
inflections: emphases
definition 1: special importance that one attaches to something or wishes to communicate to others.
The school places a lot of emphasis on creativity.She puts too much emphasis on the way she looks.The cooking show put a great deal of emphasis on the freshness of ingredients.
synonyms:
importance, significance, stress, weight
similar words:
attention, consequence, consideration, gravity
definition 2: the most important part; focus of interest or concern.
Promoting goodwill is the emphasis of our organization.
synonyms:
core, essence, focus, highlight
similar words:
backbone, basis, center, cornerstone, foundation
definition 3: intensity or vigor of expression.
The senator spoke out against the war with great emphasis and emotion.
synonyms:
energy, intensity, vigor
similar words:
force, power, strength, vitality
definition 4: stress given to a particular word, phrase, or idea.
"I will NEVER tell!" she said, with strong emphasis on the word "never."
See a movie for this meaning
 
synonyms:
accentuation, stress
similar words:
accent
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature