Emphasis Definition & Meaning

emphasis
noun
  1. special importance or significance; "the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis"; "the room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents"
  2. intensity or forcefulness of expression; "the vehemence of his denial"; "his emphasis on civil rights"
  3. special and significant stress by means of position or repetition e.g.
  4. the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch); "he put the stress on the wrong syllable"

Synonyms for emphasis

accent noun

distinctive manner of oral expression; "he couldn't suppress his contemptuous accent

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
accentuation noun

the use or application of an accent; the relative prominence of syllables in a phrase or utterance the act of giving

♫ Rhymes
stress noun

the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
vehemence noun

intensity or forcefulness of expression; "the vehemence of his denial

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Emphasis" in song lyrics

See how emphasis is used in real songs:

  • "But the numbers were unaware of the grand finale's emphasis"
    Aesop Rock — Winners Take All
  • "I say this with emphasis"
    Anti-Pop Consortium — Angular
  • "Your senses of death by sentences is to serve my verbal emphasis"
    Atoms Family — Brainstorm

Words that rhyme with emphasis

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Usage tips for "emphasis"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "emphasis" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for emphasis to find words that pair well.

Use "emphasis" in a verse

Now that you know what "emphasis" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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♫ Rhymes with emphasis 🔬 Words containing emphasis

Frequently asked questions

What does emphasis mean?
special importance or significance; "the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis"; "the room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents" intensity or forcefulness of expression; "the vehemence of his denial"; "his emphasis on civil rights" special and significant stress by means of position or repetition e.g. the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch); "he put the stress on the wrong syllable"
What part of speech is emphasis?
Emphasis is a noun.
How many definitions does emphasis have?
Emphasis has 4 definitions across 1 part of speech (noun).

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