emphasis

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛmfəsɪs/

noun (plural emphases /-siːz/)

[mass noun]
  • 1special importance, value, or prominence given to something: they placed great emphasis on the individual’s freedom [count noun]: different emphases and viewpoints
  • 2stress given to a word or words when speaking to indicate particular importance: inflection and emphasis can change the meaning of what is said
  • vigour 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'