emphasis
noun
Examples of emphasis in a Sentence
Chloe Berger, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
At school, there was a new emphasis and training on earthquake safety.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emphasis 
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Word History
borrowed from Latin, "use of language to imply more than is actually said, implication" (Late Latin also "appearance," Medieval Latin "prominence of expression, stress"), borrowed from Greek émphasis "appearance in a smooth surface, reflection, outward appearance, setting forth, exposition, significance, force of expression," from empha-, stem in noun derivation of emphaínein "to exhibit, display, indicate," emphaínesthai "to be reflected, become visible" (from em- en- entry 2 + phaínein "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínesthai "to become visible, appear") + -sis -sis — more at fantasy entry 1, phase entry 1
Note: Greek pha- can be a stem in nominal derivation of both phaínein and the verb phēmí, phánai "to speak, say," so that prefixed words formed with it may have senses relating to both appearance and to speech or language, as is the case with émphasis. For the underlying relation between the two verbs see the note at ban entry 1.
1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
Phrases Containing emphasis
Dictionary Entries Near emphasis
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasis. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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emphasis
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on emphasis
Nglish: Translation of emphasis for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of emphasis for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis
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