How to pronounce emphasis
Say it like EM-fuh-sus. Emphasis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce emphasis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EM
- fuh
- sus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Emphasis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- susKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of emphasis
American and British speakers say emphasis in essentially the same way: /ˈɛmfəsəs/ in the US and /ˈɛmfəsɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: EM-fuh-sis.
What does emphasis mean?
- special importance or significance“the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis”“the room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents”
- intensity or forcefulness of expression“the vehemence of his denial”“his emphasis on civil rights”
- special and significant stress by means of position or repetition e.g.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying emphasis
How do you pronounce emphasis?
Say EM-fuh-sus. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛmfəsəs/. In British English it is /ˈɛmfəsɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in emphasis?
Emphasis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EM). Broken into parts: EM · fuh · sus.
Do Americans and Brits say emphasis the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛmfəsəs/ and the British form is /ˈɛmfəsɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.