How to pronounce emphasize
Say it like EM-fuh-syze. Emphasize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EM).
- EM
- fuh
- syze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Emphasize 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.
- syzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of emphasize
American and British speakers say emphasize in essentially the same way: /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/ in the US and /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: EM-fuh-syze.
What does emphasize mean?
- 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.”
Where does emphasize come from?
Latin, from Ancient Greek – see emphasis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- betone
- highlight
- stress
- underscore
- emphasise
- punctuate
- accent
- accentuate
Questions about saying emphasize
How do you pronounce emphasize?
Say EM-fuh-syze. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in emphasize?
Emphasize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EM). Broken into parts: EM · fuh · syze.
Do Americans and Brits say emphasize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.