verb
emphasize
EHM-fuh-syz
verb
1
To give special importance or extra stress to something.
"The coach emphasized the importance of practice over talent."
"He emphasized the word "never" to make his point clear."
How to Use Emphasize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stress or highlight something as being especially important.
UK vs US
American English uses "emphasize"; British English commonly writes "emphasise."
Common pairings
emphasize the point
emphasize the importance of
Word Forms
emphasized past tense, emphasizes singular
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The coach _____ the importance of practice over talent.
Etymology
From emphasis, ultimately from Greek emphainein, "to show clearly."