emphasis

Definitions

em- (in, a form of en-) + phas (show) = 'making something show within.' To give emphasis is to throw light on one thing so it stands out from the rest — the same visual logic as the root. The original Greek emphasis meant the significance shining through words.

Why It Means This

Emphasis works by making one element appear larger than its neighbors — through vocal stress, italics, repetition, or position. That's why the same word covers a speaker raising their voice and a company 'placing emphasis on safety': in both, something is being made to stand out, to show.

Common Collocations

• 1.place emphasis on重视，强调
• 2.put emphasis on把重点放在
• 3.shift of emphasis重心转移
• 4.special emphasis特别强调
• 5.with emphasis加重语气地

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The school places great emphasis on reading and writing.

• 2.

  She said the word with heavy emphasis to make her point.

• 3.

  There has been a shift in emphasis from quantity to quality.