Emphasis Meaning
Emphasis Definition & Usage
The special importance or attention given to something.
Examples
- "The teacher placed a strong emphasis on punctuality."
- "In this article, the emphasis is on practical tips for time management."
- "The emphasis in the meeting was on improving team communication."
- "She emphasized the importance of family values in her speech."
- "The film places a heavy emphasis on the impact of climate change."
The stress or prominence given to a word or syllable in speech or writing.
Examples
- "In the word 'record', the emphasis is on the first syllable when used as a noun."
- "She stressed the emphasis on the second syllable to differentiate the meaning."
- "Emphasis in poetry can create rhythm and add depth to the meaning."
- "The emphasis in the sentence can change the overall tone."
- "He put emphasis on the word 'immediately' to express urgency."
Cultural Context
The word 'emphasis' has roots in Ancient Greek, originating from the word 'emphainein,' meaning to show or reveal. It has evolved over time to describe both the special importance placed on something as well as the stress in speech patterns.
The Speaker's Focus
Story
The Speaker's Focus
It was a sunny afternoon when Caroline stepped onto the stage at the community center. She had spent weeks preparing for her speech, but she knew that the real challenge lay in how she would engage her audience. As she began, her voice was steady, but it was her choice of words that would carry the weight of the message. She had learned the art of emphasis, of making certain words stand out, to ensure her message was not just heard but felt. 'Good afternoon, everyone,' Caroline began, her tone warm. 'Today, I want to talk about something that impacts us all: the environment.' She paused for a moment, looking around the room. 'But before we dive in, I want to emphasize that our actions today shape tomorrow.' She placed extra stress on 'emphasize,' hoping to underscore the gravity of the topic. As she continued, her speech became a dance of words and emphasis. Every key point was marked by a slight change in her vocal tone or the way she gestured. She highlighted the need for sustainable practices with a careful rhythm: 'We cannot wait for change to come to us. We must act, and we must act now.' Her eyes locked with several members of the audience as she put a deliberate emphasis on the word 'now,' knowing it would make her message resonate more strongly. But it wasn’t just the words themselves that held power; it was how she brought them to life. By emphasizing urgency, hope, and collective responsibility, Caroline not only delivered information but also inspired her listeners. By the time she reached the conclusion, the entire room was invested in her cause. The emphasis had worked. The message had been delivered with strength, and the audience had taken it to heart. Later, over coffee with her colleague John, she reflected on the impact of her speech. 'It’s not just what you say, but how you emphasize it,' she remarked. 'I learned that the hard way.' John nodded, impressed by how effectively she had used emphasis to guide the conversation and keep the audience engaged. Caroline smiled, knowing that it was this technique, this art of emphasis, that could make all the difference in the world.