re-emphasize
UK[ˌriːˈemfəsaɪz]US[ˌriːˈemfəsaɪz]
v
to emphasize something again, or to emphasize it more strongly
v
to give special importance or prominence to something once more
Morpheme Breakdown
re
emphasize
re
again
emphasize
give special importance
Etymology
the word 're-emphasize' is a modern english formation built upon the existing verb 'emphasize'. the core 'emphasize' entered english in the late 18th century from the greek 'emphainein', meaning "to present, exhibit, or indicate," which itself derives from 'en-' (in) and 'phainein' (to show). the concept evolved to signify giving special force or prominence to a particular point. the latin prefix 're-', meaning "again," was attached in english to create a transparent compound meaning "to emphasize again." this logical construction follows a common pattern in english where latin prefixes are systematically combined with words of diverse origins to generate new, precise meanings related to repetition or restoration.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + emphasize (give special importance)
- re: a prefix of latin origin, meaning "again" or "back". it functions as a modifier indicating repetition.
- emphasize: a verb of greek origin (via latin), from the base 'emphasis' meaning "significance" or "forceful expression". it functions as the core lexical root.
Examples
the speaker had to re-emphasize the key point after the interruption.
the new policy document re-emphasizes our commitment to sustainability.
let me re-emphasize that safety is our absolute top priority.