Emphasis

Definition

Emphasis is a noun that refers to special importance, value, or prominence given to something. It can also refer to stress placed on a word or phrase to convey meaning or highlight its significance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛmfəsɪs/
• Respelling: EM-fuh-sis

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛmfəsɪs/
• Respelling: EM-fuh-sis

Etymology

The word "emphasis" originates from the Greek "emphainein," meaning "to show in" or "to exhibit." It was adopted into Latin as "emphasis," retaining the sense of stressing or giving prominence to something. The term entered English in the 16th century, with its meaning evolving to highlight importance or stress.

Derivatives

• Emphasize (verb)
• Emphatic (adjective)
• Emphatically (adverb)
• Overemphasis (noun)
• Underemphasize (verb)

Synonyms

• Importance
• Stress
• Accentuation

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Insignificance
• Minimization

Usage

The noun "emphasis" is commonly used in various contexts to denote the importance placed on a subject, quality, or feature, as in "The emphasis on education has increased." It is also used to describe vocal stress in speech, like "She placed an emphasis on the last word."

Related Terms

• Highlight: To give prominence or draw attention to something.
• Accent: In speech, a distinctive way of stressing a syllable.
• Focus: The center of interest or activity.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Special importance or significance given to something: Refers to the prominence or weight attributed to an idea, topic, or detail.
  • Example: "There is a strong emphasis on safety in the workplace."
• Stress or prominence placed on a word or phrase in speech or writing: Indicates the stress used to convey particular meaning or importance.
  • Example: "The emphasis on the word ‘urgent’ showed the importance of the request."