de-emphasis
UK[diːˈemfəsɪs]US[diːˈemfəsɪs]
n
The act or process of reducing the importance, attention, or prominence given to something.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
emphasis
de
reverse
emphasis
special importance
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Latin-derived prefix 'de-' with the noun 'emphasis'. The prefix 'de-', from Latin 'dē-', carries a core sense of reversal or removal, as seen in words like 'decrease' or 'devalue'. The noun 'emphasis' entered English in the 16th century from Latin 'emphasis', which itself originated from Greek 'emphasis' meaning "significance" or "force of expression," derived from the verb 'emphainein' (to exhibit, indicate). Therefore, 'de-emphasis' logically constructs its meaning by applying the reversing force of 'de-' to the state of 'emphasis', resulting in the act of reducing significance or attention.
Analysis
Structure: de (reverse) + emphasis (special importance)
de: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "down from, off, away, reversal, removal."
emphasis: A noun of Greek origin, via Latin, meaning "special importance, value, or prominence given to something."
Examples
There has been a noticeable de-emphasis on formal testing in the new curriculum.
The company's strategy involves a de-emphasis of its traditional retail outlets in favor of online sales.
The peace talks were marked by a de-emphasis on preconditions and a focus on practical outcomes.