emphasise
To give special importance to something you say or write.
emphasise in a sentence
- The coach likes to emphasise passing rather than scoring.
- She underlined the date twice to emphasise how little time was left.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to emphasise?
- Adownplay
- Bunderstate
- Cstress
- Dignore
Show the answer
C: stress. The other three mean the opposite of emphasise.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to emphasise?
- Adownplay
- Bunderline
- Cstress
- Dhighlight
Show the answer
A: downplay. The other three mean nearly the same as emphasise.
Words that mean something similar
stress, highlight, underline
Words that mean the opposite
downplay, ignore, understate
More words about speech & sound
- exaggerate: To make something sound bigger, better or worse than it really is.
- exclaim: To shout out suddenly with surprise or excitement.
- explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no doubt.
- gruff: Rough and unfriendly in voice or manner.
- harmonious: Going together in a peaceful and pleasant way.
- hubbub: A loud noise made by lots of voices at once.
- hushed: Very quiet and still.
- implore: To beg someone desperately to do something.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test