GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  1.       
emphasis (ĕmˈfȧ‑sĭs), n.; pl. Emphases (ĕmˈfȧ‑sēz). [L., fr. Gr. ἔμφασις significance, force of expression, fr. ἐμφαίνειν to show in, indicate; ἐν in + φαίνειν to show. See In, and Phase.]
    1. (Rhet.) A particular stress of utterance, or force of voice, given in reading and speaking to one or more words whose signification the speaker intends to impress specially upon his audience.

    [1913 Webster]

    The province of emphasis is so much more important than accent, that the customary seat of the latter is changed, when the claims of emphasis require it. E. Porter.

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    2. A peculiar impressiveness of expression or weight of thought; vivid representation, enforcing assent; as, “to dwell on a subject with great emphasis”.

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    External objects stand before us . . . in all the life and emphasis of extension, figure, and color. Sir W. Hamilton.

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    3. a special attention given to, or extra importance attached to, something; as, “a guided tour of Egypt with emphasis on the monuments along the Nile”.

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    4. something to which great importance is attached; as, “the need for increased spending on education was the emphasis of his speech”.

    [PJC]

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