highlighting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
CommonNeutral (used across formal, academic, and informal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “highlighting” mean?
The action or process of making something prominent or drawing attention to a particular part or feature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of making something prominent or drawing attention to a particular part or feature.
Can refer to marking text with a bright color for emphasis, accentuating specific parts of a visual scene, or emphasizing important points in speech or writing. In computing, selecting text or data. In hairdressing, coloring strands to create contrast.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Very minor. UK English may use 'highlighter pen' more often, US English 'highlighter'. The spelling and usage of the noun form 'highlighting' are identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Associated with emphasis, importance, and visibility.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to shared academic, business, and everyday applications.
Grammar
How to Use “highlighting” in a Sentence
The highlighting of [NOUN PHRASE][POSSESSIVE] highlighting of [NOUN PHRASE][ADJECTIVE] highlightinghighlighting [that/who/which CLAUSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “highlighting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is highlighting the key terms in the contract.
American English
- He's highlighting the main points on the slide.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard. Use 'prominently' or similar.]
American English
- [Not standard. Use 'prominently' or similar.]
adjective
British English
- She bought a new highlighting marker.
American English
- Use the highlighting feature in the software.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports and presentations to denote key findings or metrics. 'The highlighting of quarterly growth figures was crucial.'
Academic
Common in texts about research methods, analysis, and note-taking. 'Careful highlighting of relevant passages aids comprehension.'
Everyday
Used regarding note-taking, hairdressing, or pointing out features. 'The highlighting in her hair looks fantastic.'
Technical
In computing: 'syntax highlighting' in code editors. In photography/videography: managing bright areas.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “highlighting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “highlighting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highlighting”
- Misspelling as 'high lighting' (two words).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I am highlightinging') – the verb is 'highlight'.
- Confusing 'highlighting' (process) with 'highlights' (plural noun for the results or best parts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun (gerund) referring to the process or result. The base verb is 'highlight'.
'Highlighting' is the process or act. 'Highlights' are the specific things that have been highlighted (e.g., blonde streaks in hair) or the most memorable/important parts of an event.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal and academic writing, especially when discussing emphasis or methodology.
In American English, the /t/ in '-ting' is often pronounced as a voiced alveolar flap, sounding like a soft 'd' ([t̬ɪŋ]). So it's /ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.t̬ɪŋ/.
The action or process of making something prominent or drawing attention to a particular part or feature.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not strongly idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIGHLIGHTER pen making text bright YELLOW. HIGH + LIGHT + ING = the act of putting a 'high light' on something.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS BRIGHTNESS / VISIBILITY IS ATTENTION (Making something brighter/visually distinct makes it more important or noticeable.)
Practice
Quiz
Which context is LEAST typical for the word 'highlighting'?