Emphasise vs. Emphasize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Both "emphasise" and "emphasize" mean to give special importance or prominence to something, but "emphasise" is British spelling, while "emphasize" is American.
Difference Between Emphasise and Emphasize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Both "emphasise" and "emphasize" are verbs, and they carry the same meaning, denoting the action of making something more clear or distinct. The distinction lies not in their semantic value but in their regional usage.
"Emphasise" is widely used in British English, reflecting the UK's linguistic preferences. On the other hand, "emphasize" is the favored variant in American English, illustrating the subtle spelling nuances between British and American English.
Compare with Definitions
Emphasise
To highlight or give special attention to a point.
The teacher used a red marker to emphasise key terms.
Emphasize
To give special significance or focus to a point.
The coach used hand gestures to emphasize the team's strategy.
Emphasise
To make something more prominent in a sentence.
The italics were used to emphasise the author's emphasis.
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Emphasize
To underline the importance of a topic or idea.
The professor liked to emphasize critical concepts in lectures.
Emphasise
To underline or reinforce a message.
The manager wanted to emphasise the company's values.
Emphasize
To draw attention to a specific detail or message.
The speaker used repetition to emphasize key points.
Emphasise
To stress the importance of a concept or idea.
The speaker sought to emphasise the need for cooperation.
Emphasize
To stress or highlight a particular aspect.
The report aimed to emphasize the economic impact of the project.
Emphasise
To draw attention to a particular aspect.
The infographic was designed to emphasise key statistics.
Emphasize
Give special importance or value to (something) in speaking or writing
I would emphasize that I am not an economist
They emphasize the need for daily, one-to-one contact between parent and child
Emphasise
(British spelling) emphasize
Emphasize
Lay stress on (a word or phrase) when speaking
His father emphasized the wrong words in his sentence
Emphasise
To place emphasis on; same as emphasize.
Emphasize
Make (something) more clearly defined
A hip-length jacket which emphasized her shape
Emphasise
Give extra weight to (a communication);
Her gesture emphasized her words
Emphasize
To give emphasis to; stress
She emphasized that the matter was urgent.
Emphasise
To stress, single out as important;
Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
Emphasize
To cause to appear important or deserving of attention
The bank failure emphasized the need for reform.
Emphasize
To give prominence of sound to (a syllable or word) in pronouncing or in accordance with a metrical pattern.
Emphasize
(transitive) To stress, give emphasis or extra weight to (something).
His two-fingered gesture emphasized what he had told his boss to do with his job.
Emphasize
To utter or pronounce with a particular stress of voice; to make emphatic; as, to emphasize a word or a phrase.
Emphasize
To stress, single out as important;
Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
Emphasize
Give extra weight to (a communication);
Her gesture emphasized her words
Emphasize
To make a word or phrase stand out in writing.
The author chose to emphasize the word freedom.
Common Curiosities
When should I use "emphasise"?
Use "emphasise" when writing or speaking in British English to give special importance or prominence to something.
Can I interchange "emphasise" and "emphasize"?
In formal writing, it's best to use the spelling consistent with the variety of English you are using.
Is "emphasise" a correct spelling?
Yes, "emphasise" is the British English spelling of the word.
What does "emphasize" mean?
"Emphasize" means to give special significance or focus to a point or idea.
Is "emphasise" used in American English?
While not standard in American English, it may be encountered in British literature or international communication.
Is "emphasize" a verb or a noun?
"Emphasize" is a verb, used to convey the action of giving importance or prominence to something.
What is the root word of "emphasise"?
The root word is "emphasis," meaning special importance or significance.
Is "emphasize" the correct spelling in American English?
Yes, "emphasize" is the standard American English spelling of the word.
Can I use "emphasize" in British English writing?
While not common, using "emphasize" in British English may be acceptable, especially in international contexts.
How is "emphasize" pronounced?
It is typically pronounced as "em-fuh-size" with the stress on the second syllable.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
