This verb draws attention to a point as especially important.

The idea

Use emphasize with a direct object or a clause beginning with that. The British spelling emphasise is also standard.

Examples

  • The coach emphasized the importance of rest.
  • Our guide emphasized that the path was slippery.
  • The report emphasizes access to clean water.
  • I want to emphasize one point before we vote.
  • During the meeting, they emphasized cooperation.
  • The sign emphasizes the need to drive slowly.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not add on before the object: say emphasize the point.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. The speaker will ___ the main concern. (emphasize / emphasizes)

    Show answer or example answer

    emphasize

    emphasize is the base form after will.

  2. Choose the correct form. Yesterday the notice ___ the deadline. (emphasized / emphasizing)

    Show answer or example answer

    emphasized

    emphasized places the notice in the past.

  3. Choose the correct form. The editor emphasized ___ the information was urgent. (that / to)

    Show answer or example answer

    that

    that introduces what the editor stressed.

Use it today

Describe an issue you would emphasize at a meeting.