emphasis etymology

Etymology

The word "emphasis" comes from the Greek word ἐμφάσις (emphasis), which means "force," "stress," or "importance." It is derived from the verb ἐμφάσκω (emphaíno), which means "to declare," "to manifest," or "to impress."

Meaning and Origin

Emphasis is a technique used in language or communication to highlight or stress certain words, phrases, or ideas. It can be used to convey the speaker's or writer's importance, urgency, or emotional connection to a particular point.

The use of emphasis dates back to ancient Greek rhetoric, where it was used as a persuasive technique to influence audiences. Greek orators used emphasis to highlight key arguments, evoke emotions, and create a sense of urgency.

Types of Emphasis

There are various ways to create emphasis in language:

  • Verbal emphasis: Using volume, pitch, or intonation to stress certain words or phrases.
  • Written emphasis: Using italics, bold text, underlining, or quotation marks to highlight important text.
  • Structural emphasis: Placing important information at the beginning or end of a sentence or paragraph.
  • Repetition: Repeating key words or phrases to create emphasis.
  • Contrast: Using contrasting words or phrases to highlight the difference between two ideas.

emphasis relate terms

  • emphasize

    Etymology from Greek ἔτυμος étymos true and λόγος lógos speech word ac

  • emphasis

    Etymology The word emphasis comes from the Greek word ἐμφάσις emphasis which

  • emphatic

    Etymology The word emphatic comes from the Late Latin word emphaticus which is deri

  • emphasis

    Etymology The word emphasis comes from the Greek word ἐμφάσις emphasis which

  • accent

    Etymology From Middle English accent borrowed from Old French accent derived from

  • stress

    Etymology of stress The word stress comes from the Latin word stringere meaning

  • accent

    Etymology From Middle English accent borrowed from Old French accent derived from

  • signification

    Etymology Latin significāre Roots signum sign ficāre to make Meaning

  • hyperbaton

    Etymology Hyperbaton is derived from the Greek word ὑπερβατόν hyperbaton whi

  • macaroon

    Etymology The word macaroon originates from the Italian word maccherone which means

  • focus

    Etymology Latin focus hearth fireplace Proto Indo European bhew k to shine M

  • prosody

    Etymology and Origin Prosody comes from the Greek word prosōdía meaning accent m

  • inflection

    Etymology The word inflection comes from the Latin word inflectere which means to