highlight
HEYE-lyt
Highlight (noun) means the most memorable or exciting part of an event, experience, or period. Example: “The fireworks display was the highlight of the whole festival.”
noun
1
The most memorable or exciting part of an event, experience, or period.
"The fireworks display was the highlight of the whole festival."
"For many tourists, the boat trip is the highlight of the week."
"Meeting the author in person was the highlight of the trip."
2
A bright area in a picture, photo, or painting where light falls most strongly.
"The painter added a white highlight to make the glass look shiny."
"Soft evening light created gentle highlights on the surface of the lake."
"The photographer adjusted the exposure to soften the highlights on her face."
3
A strand of hair dyed a lighter colour than the rest.
"My hairdresser suggested caramel highlights to brighten my brown hair."
"He asked for subtle highlights around his fringe before the wedding."
"She added blonde highlights before the summer."
verb
1
To draw special attention to something.
"The teacher used her speech to highlight the importance of reading every day."
"The report highlights several safety concerns."
"He highlighted the key phrases in yellow marker."
How to use highlight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe best or most attention-grabbing part of something, or (as a verb) to draw attention to it.
Common pairings
highlight of the year
highlight in yellow
game highlights
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Word forms
- Plural
- highlights
- Third person singular
- highlights
- Past tense
- highlighted, highlit
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fireworks display was the _____ of the whole festival.
Etymology
A compound of high and light, describing the brightest ("highest") points of light in an image before the word broadened to mean any standout moment or detail.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “highlight” mean?
The word “highlight” means the most memorable or exciting part of an event, experience, or period. In plain terms, the best or most attention-grabbing part of something, or (as a verb) to draw attention to it.
How do you pronounce “highlight”?
“Highlight” is pronounced HEYE-lyt (/ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “highlight” in a sentence?
Here is “highlight” used in a sentence: “Meeting the author in person was the highlight of the trip.”
What part of speech is “highlight”?
Depending on how it is used, “highlight” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “highlight” a common word?
“Highlight” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “highlight” have?
“Highlight” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the most memorable or exciting part of an event, experience, or period.
What is the difference between a highlight and a lowlight?
A highlight is the best, most memorable, or most exciting part of an event or experience. A lowlight is the opposite: the worst or most disappointing part. People often list the highlights and lowlights of a trip, season, or year.
What is the difference between highlights and shadows in a picture?
In a photo or painting, the highlights are the brightest areas, where light falls most strongly. The shadows are the darkest areas, where little or no light reaches. Together they create the sense of depth and form.
What is the difference between 'highlight' and 'peak' when describing an event?
Both point to a high point of an experience, but they stress different things. A highlight is the most memorable or enjoyable moment, while a peak is the point of greatest intensity, success, or achievement.
What words commonly go with 'highlight'?
Highlight most often pairs with 'of,' as in 'the highlight of the evening,' 'the highlight of the trip,' or 'the highlight of the year.' It also appears in fixed phrases such as 'career highlight' and 'season highlights.'
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