emphasized
C1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To give special importance, prominence, or force to something.
To stress a word, syllable, or point in speech or writing; to make something more clearly defined or noticeable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deliberate act to highlight significance or draw attention. Can refer to visual, oral, or written stress. The past participle/adjectival form 'emphasized' is common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling: UK 'emphasise' (verb), US 'emphasize'. The '-ised/-ized' distinction follows for the past participle.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both formal and professional contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
emphasize that [CLAUSE]emphasize the importance/need/value of [NOUN PHRASE]emphasize [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly for the past participle form]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The quarterly report emphasized the need for cost-cutting measures.
Academic
The study's conclusion emphasized the correlation, not causation.
Everyday
He emphasized that he'd be home by six.
Technical
The designer emphasized the safety features in bold typography.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The manager emphasised the new safety protocols during the meeting.
- She has always emphasised the value of good spelling.
American English
- The coach emphasized the fundamentals at practice.
- The policy emphasized individual responsibility.
adverb
British English
- [Rare as an adverb; typically 'emphatically' is used]
American English
- [Rare as an adverb; typically 'emphatically' is used]
adjective
British English
- The emphasised text appeared in a bold font.
- Her point, though emphasised, was ultimately ignored.
American English
- He wore an emphasized stripe on his sleeve.
- The emphasized syllable helps with pronunciation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher emphasized the homework.
- My mum emphasized 'be careful'.
- The guide emphasized the importance of wearing good shoes.
- He emphasized that the offer was only for a week.
- The report's findings were repeatedly emphasized in the executive summary.
- She emphasized the contrast between the two theories in her analysis.
- The speaker subtly emphasized the ideological underpinnings of the movement.
- Critics have rightly emphasized the paradoxical nature of these claims.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EMPHASIS' is at the core. To EMPHAS-IZE something is to turn it into a point of EMPHASIS.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT/STRENGTH (to give weight to a point, to stress something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation from Russian 'акцентировать' in all contexts; 'emphasize' is more general. Do not confuse with 'underline' (подчеркнуть) which is more literal for drawing a line.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'emphasized on' (correct: 'emphasized' + direct object). Incorrect spelling: 'emphisized'.
- Overuse in informal writing where 'stressed' or 'said clearly' might suffice.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'emphasized' in a formal report?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Emphasized' is standard American English spelling. 'Emphasised' is standard British English spelling.
Yes, though less common. It can describe something that has been given emphasis, e.g., 'an emphasized syllable'.
Adding the preposition 'on' after it (e.g., 'He emphasized on the point'). The correct form is transitive: 'He emphasized the point'.
They are often synonyms. 'Stressed' can feel slightly more informal or psychological ('She felt stressed'), while 'emphasized' is neutral and common in formal writing and speech.