emphasize
UK[ˈemfəsaɪz]US[ˈemfəsaɪz]
v
to give special importance or attention to something when speaking or writing.
v
to make something more noticeable or prominent.
Morpheme Breakdown
em
phas
ize
em
in
phas
appearance, speech
ize
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'emphasize' originates from the greek noun 'emphasis', which meant 'significance' or 'forceful expression', itself derived from 'emphainein' ('to exhibit, indicate'). this verb was a compound of 'en-' ('in') and 'phainein' ('to show'). the core root 'pha-' (to shine, show) is of proto-indo-european origin, giving rise to many words related to light and appearance, such as 'phantom' and 'phase'. the semantic journey moved from the literal act of 'showing in' or making something visible, to the rhetorical act of giving stress or prominence to a particular point in speech or writing. the modern english verb, formed with the productive suffix '-ize', directly retains this sense of making an idea or feature more apparent and significant.
Analysis
Structure: em (in) + phas (appearance, speech) + ize (verb suffix)
em- (prefix, from greek 'en-' meaning 'in, into', via latin); phas- (root, from greek 'phasis' meaning 'speech, appearance, utterance'); -ize (verb-forming suffix, from greek '-izein' via latin '-izare').
Examples
the manager used the meeting to emphasize the new safety protocols.
his report tends to emphasize the positive outcomes over the challenges.
designers often use color to emphasize a key element on the page.