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Definition of emphasize verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

        

    emphasize

     verb
    verb
    NAmE//ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz//
     
    Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they emphasize
     
    he / she / it emphasizes
     
    past simple emphasized
     
    -ing form emphasizing
     
     
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  1. 1to give special importance to something synonym stress emphasize something His speech emphasized the importance of attracting industry to the town. emphasize that… She emphasized that their plan would mean sacrifices and hard work. emphasize how, what, etc… He emphasized how little was known about the disease. it must/should be emphasized that… It should be emphasized that this is only one possible explanation. + speech “This must be our top priority,” he emphasized. Language Bankemphasishighlighting an important point
    • This case emphasizes/highlights the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
    • Effective communication skills are essential/crucial/vital.
    • It should be noted that this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
    • It is important to remember that/An important point to remember is that non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
    • Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially/above all, how effectively you listen.
    • I would like to draw attention to the role of listening in effective communication.
    • Choose your words carefully:in particular, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
    • Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
  2. 2emphasize something to make something more noticeable She swept her hair back from her face to emphasize her high cheekbones. The rising tone of his voice emphasized his panic.
  3. 3emphasize something to give extra force to a word or phrase when you are speaking, especially to show that it is important ThesaurusstressemphasizeThese words both mean to give extra force to a syllable, word, or phrase when you are saying it.
    • stress to give extra force to a word or syllable when saying it:You stress the first syllable in “happiness.”
    • emphasize to give extra force to a word or phrase when saying it, especially to show that it is important:Shylock repeatedly emphasizes the word “bond” in his speech.
    4. AWL Collocationsemphasisemphasis nounspecial importance or attention that is given to something
    • considerable, great, heavy, strong
    • particular, special
    • renewed
    • increased
    There is a strong emphasis on math and science at the school. The scientific career of Descartes, with special emphasis on his physics, is presented in Shea (1991).
    • place, put, lay
    The new information-based economy placed greater emphasis on new technical knowledge.
    • shift
    By 1915, the emphasis shifted from farming to ranching.emphasize verb
    • strongly, rightly
    • consistently
    • continually, repeatedly
    He consistently emphasizes this theme throughout his work.
    • be important to, seem to, serve to, tend to
    It is important to emphasize the differences between this and the preceding analysis.
    • the importance of something, a/the need for something
    Aristotle frequently emphasizes the importance of pleasure to human life. The work concludes by emphasizing a need for further research.
See emphasize in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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