emphatically
emphatically — adverb
1. in a way that shows strong and confident feelings, especially when speaking abou
in a way that shows strong and confident feelings, especially when speaking about something you believe in or feel sure about.
The governor emphatically rejected the accusation during the press conference.
collocation: emphatically reject
Dr. Okafor emphatically insisted that all patients receive the same standard of care.
collocation: emphatically insist
Lukas nodded emphatically when his daughter asked if he would attend her concert.
The coach spoke emphatically about the importance of teamwork before the final match.
- forcefully
More general; can describe physical strength. 'Emphatically' is specific to expression and conviction.
- vehemently
Stronger emotion, often with anger or passion. 'Emphatically' can be calm and confident too.
- firmly
Broader; can mean physical or mental steadiness. 'Emphatically' always involves expression.
- vigorously
Suggests energy and effort; 'emphatically' focuses on strength of conviction.
- half-heartedly
Without full conviction or energy.
用法筆記
Commonly paired with verbs of speaking or expressing opinion: reject, insist, declare, state, deny.
常見錯誤
2. used when you want to make it very clear that a statement is absolutely true or
used when you want to make it very clear that a statement is absolutely true or that you completely disagree with something that has been said.
I emphatically did not say the project would be finished by Friday.
sentence adverb modifying a negative statement
The ambassador emphatically denied that any secret talks had taken place.
collocation: emphatically deny
Camila emphatically believes that every child deserves access to music education.
When asked about the rumours, the CEO answered emphatically that they were false.
Neha emphatically supports the new policy because it helps working parents.
- absolutely
Less formal; common in everyday speech. 'Emphatically' carries more weight in writing.
- categorically
Stronger and more formal; only used with denials. 'Emphatically' works for both affirmative and negative.
- positively
Focuses on certainty; slightly less forceful than 'emphatically'.
- tentatively
In a hesitant or uncertain way.
- vaguely
In a way that lacks clarity or force.
文法句型
emphatically + affirmative/negative statement
用法筆記
This sense works as a sentence adverb — it modifies the whole statement, not just the verb. Position is flexible: sentence-initial, mid, or end.
常見錯誤
3. by a very large amount or in a way that is beyond any question, especially when
by a very large amount or in a way that is beyond any question, especially when comparing or judging something.
This year's festival was emphatically the best in the city's history.
superlative: emphatically the best
The Torres family home was emphatically the largest house on the street.
Sofia's second novel is emphatically more polished than her first.
Ingrid proved emphatically that she was the right person for the job.
- unquestionably
Slightly more formal; used in writing. 'Emphatically' is more about the speaker's conviction.
- decidedly
Similar meaning but less common. Both stress a clear difference.
- clearly
More general and common. 'Emphatically' is stronger and more definitive.
- slightly
Only a small amount or degree.
- marginally
By a very small margin.
文法句型
emphatically + adjective/superlative
emphatically + comparative
用法筆記
Often paired with superlatives ('the best', 'the most important') or comparatives to stress the size of the difference.
emphatically — adjective
1. said or expressed with extra strength or force to show that the speaker feels ve
said or expressed with extra strength or force to show that the speaker feels very strongly about what they are saying.
The mayor gave an emphatic speech about the need for better schools.
collocation: emphatic speech / emphatic statement
James was emphatic in his refusal to accept the board's decision.
The minister's emphatic reply left no room for further argument.
The judge's emphatic statement made the courtroom fall silent.
用法筆記
Describes the manner of expression, not the person. For describing a person's character, see sense 2 below.
常見錯誤
2. describes someone who speaks or acts in a firm, determined way and does not show
describes someone who speaks or acts in a firm, determined way and does not show doubt or hesitation.
The manager was emphatic that all safety rules must be followed at all times.
pattern: be emphatic that + clause
Elena has always been an emphatic leader who makes decisions quickly.
The head nurse was emphatic about the importance of hand washing.
Piotr is emphatic on one point: the team must arrive on time for every rehearsal.
- determined
Broader; can apply to goals and actions. 'Emphatic' specifically highlights outspoken clarity.
- resolute
More formal; emphasizes firmness of purpose. 'Emphatic' adds the element of clear expression.
- assertive
Focuses on confidence in expressing views. Very similar to 'emphatic' in this sense.
- hesitant
Tending to pause or show uncertainty.
- indecisive
Unable to make clear decisions.
用法筆記
Used to describe a person's character or typical behaviour. The pattern 'be emphatic that + clause' is very common. Distinguish from sense 1, which describes a single utterance.
3. very clear, striking, or impossible to ignore because of being unusual, large, o
very clear, striking, or impossible to ignore because of being unusual, large, or differently positioned.
The bright red door made an emphatic statement against the grey stone wall.
Fatima's emphatic victory in the election surprised even her supporters.
collocation: emphatic victory
The tower's modern design was an emphatic contrast to the old buildings around it.
The team's emphatic win sent them straight to the championship final.
- striking
Emphasises visual impact. 'Emphatic' can also apply to results or contrasts, not just sight.
- unmistakable
Impossible to misunderstand. 'Emphatic' often pairs with victory, contrast, or statement.
- pronounced
More neutral; simply means very clear. 'Emphatic' adds a sense of deliberate force.
- subtle
Not obvious; easy to miss.
- understated
Deliberately modest or restrained.
用法筆記
Used of results, contrasts, visual features, or outcomes that are so clear that no one could miss them. Not used for people's character.