Толковый словарь английского языка

[Word Family: verb: ↑emphasize; noun: ↑emphasis; adverb: ↑emphatically; adjective: ↑emphatic]

1. to say something in a strong way SYN stress:

The report emphasizes the importance of improving safety standards.

Logan made a speech emphasizing the need for more volunteers.

emphasize that/how

The Prime Minister emphasized that there are no plans to raise taxes.

2. to say a word or phrase louder or higher than others to give it more importance SYN stress

3. to make something more noticeable SYN accentuate:

The dress emphasized the shape of her body.

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THESAURUS

▪ emphasize to say strongly or show clearly that a fact, idea etc is especially important: Our company emphasizes the need for good communication between staff.

▪ stress to emphasize something when you are talking about a subject: Most schools stress the importance of parental involvement in their child’s learning. | He stressed the need for parents to listen to their children.

▪ highlight to show that something is important, so that people will pay special attention to it: This case highlights the need for tougher laws on gun ownership. | The report highlights the decline in the numbers of native plants and insects.

▪ underline/underscore to help to show clearly that a fact is true, especially a fact that is already known: These attacks underline the fact that the security situation here remains fragile. | The president’s speech repeatedly underscored the progress that has been made.

▪ accentuate to show something clearly and make it easier to notice: The recent economic crisis has accentuated the gap between the rich and the poor.

▪ overemphasize to emphasize something too much: The relation between food and health is often overemphasized in my view.

▪ play up to emphasize something and make it seem more important than it really is, especially to get advantages for yourself: The story has been played up by the media. | The Labour party had a great time playing up the Conservatives’ problems.