emphasize

/ˈemfəsaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈemfəsaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz/ (ame, mw)

emphasize — verb

  • emphasizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • emphasizeshe / she / it
  • emphasizedpast simple
  • emphasizing-ing form

1. to give particular weight or attention to something, making clear that it is imp

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to give particular weight or attention to something, making clear that it is important or deserves serious consideration

例句

Maja emphasized the importance of arriving on time for every practice session.

emphasize + noun (the importance of)

Samir emphasized that the new library policy affects all students who borrow books.

emphasize + that-clause

同義詞
  • stress

    almost identical in meaning; the best everyday substitute for this sense

  • highlight

    suggests drawing attention to a specific detail among many, common in academic or presentation contexts

  • underscore

    slightly more formal and figurative; often used when a situation or fact makes something clear

反義詞
  • downplay

    to make something seem less important than it really is

  • minimize

    to reduce or treat as less significant

文法句型

emphasize + noun phrase

emphasize + that-clause

emphasize + wh-clause

用法筆記

Commonly followed by a noun phrase or a that-clause. The object is typically an abstract noun such as 'importance', 'need', 'value', or 'point'.

常見錯誤

❌He emphasized me the rules.
✅He emphasized the rules to me.
💡emphasize takes a direct object (the thing being stressed), not an indirect object. Use 'to + person' if needed.
❌She emphasized on the need for change.
✅She emphasized the need for change.
💡no preposition follows emphasize; it is a transitive verb that takes the object directly.

2. to cause a particular feature, detail, or quality to be seen or noticed more cle

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause a particular feature, detail, or quality to be seen or noticed more clearly, especially in visual or artistic contexts

例句

The dark frame emphasizes the bright colours of the painting on the wall.

emphasize + noun (visual feature in art)

Apinya adjusted the contrast on her camera to emphasize the shadows in the photo.

emphasize + noun (detail in photography)

同義詞
  • highlight

    very close in meaning; slightly broader and can be used in non-visual contexts too

  • accentuate

    slightly more formal; often used for physical features in fashion or design

反義詞
  • conceal

    to hide or keep out of sight

  • mask

    to cover so that a feature is no longer visible or noticeable

文法句型

emphasize + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in visual and artistic contexts such as photography, design, fashion, and interior decorating. The object is a feature, quality, or detail that becomes more noticeable through contrast or arrangement.

常見錯誤

❌The scarf emphasizes to her eyes.
✅The scarf emphasizes the colour of her eyes.
💡emphasize takes a direct object, not an indirect object; the feature being made obvious must follow directly.