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emphasis

Syllabification: (em·pha·sis)
Pronunciation: /ˈemfəsis/

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Definition of emphasis

noun (plural emphases /-ˌsēz/)

  • special importance, value, or prominence given to something:they placed great emphasis on the individual’s freedom different emphases and viewpoints
  • stress laid on a word or words to indicate special meaning or particular importance.
  • vigor or intensity of expression:he spoke with emphasis and with complete conviction

Origin:

late 16th century: via Latin from Greek, originally 'appearance, show', later denoting a figure of speech in which more is implied than is said (the original sense in English), from emphainein 'exhibit', from em- 'in, within' + phainein 'to show'

emphasis in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of emphasis in the British & World English dictionary

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