Emphasize vs. Emphasise: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on February 18, 2024
Emphasize and emphasise are the same word, with "emphasize" being the American English spelling and "emphasise" the British English spelling. Both mean to give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Key Differences
Emphasize is the spelling commonly used in American English. It means to give special attention or prominence to something. Emphasise, with an 's', is the British English form, carrying the same meaning and usage.
When you emphasize something, you're making it stand out in your speech or writing. Similarly, to emphasise is to highlight or make a point more noticeable, just with a different regional spelling.
In academic or professional writing, the choice between emphasize and emphasise should align with other language conventions of the region. For instance, American publications prefer emphasize, while British ones opt for emphasise.
The pronunciation of emphasize and emphasise is essentially the same, despite the spelling difference. Both versions are used to indicate that something is of importance or deserves special attention.
It's crucial to maintain consistency in spelling when choosing between emphasize and emphasise in a piece of writing. Switching between American and British English can confuse readers and is generally considered poor writing style.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
American English spelling
British English spelling
Meaning
To give special importance
To give special importance
Usage in Writing
Preferred in American publications
Preferred in British publications
Pronunciation
Same as emphasise
Same as emphasize
Consistency in Writing
Used consistently in American English
Used consistently in British English
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Emphasize and Emphasise Definitions
Emphasize
Stress Importance.
The teacher will emphasize the need for regular study.
Emphasise
To Highlight.
In his essay, he chose to emphasise the historical context.
Emphasize
Underline a Point.
He will emphasize the benefits in his pitch.
Emphasise
Stress Importance.
The doctor will emphasise the importance of a healthy diet.
Emphasize
To Highlight.
She chose to emphasize the key points in her presentation.
Emphasise
Underline a Point.
She will emphasise her achievements in the interview.
Emphasize
Accentuate.
Emphasize the main idea for clarity.
Emphasise
Accentuate.
Emphasise your arguments with solid evidence.
Emphasize
Make Noticeable.
To emphasize the contrast, he used dark colors.
Emphasise
Make Noticeable.
To emphasise the mood, she used soft lighting.
Emphasize
To give emphasis to; stress
She emphasized that the matter was urgent.
Emphasise
(British spelling) emphasize
Emphasize
To cause to appear important or deserving of attention
The bank failure emphasized the need for reform.
Emphasise
To place emphasis on; same as emphasize.
Emphasize
To give prominence of sound to (a syllable or word) in pronouncing or in accordance with a metrical pattern.
Emphasise
Give extra weight to (a communication);
Her gesture emphasized her words
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.
Emphasise
To stress, single out as important;
Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
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
FAQs
What does emphasise mean?
Emphasise carries the same meaning as emphasize, marking importance.
Are emphasize and emphasise interchangeable?
They are interchangeable in meaning but differ in regional spelling.
Which spelling should I use in the U.S.?
Use "emphasize" in American English settings.
Can I use both spellings in one document?
It's best to stick to one spelling style for consistency.
What does emphasize mean?
Emphasize means to give special importance to something in speech or writing.
Is emphasize an Americanism?
Yes, it's the American English form of the word.
Can spelling affect the perception of my writing?
Yes, using the wrong regional spelling can stand out to readers familiar with the other form.
Which spelling is correct in the UK?
"Emphasise" is the preferred spelling in British English.
How do I remember which spelling to use?
Remember the broader differences between American and British English spellings.
Do emphasize and emphasise have different meanings?
No, their meanings are identical.
Is the pronunciation different?
No, both words are pronounced the same.
Which form is used in Canada?
Canadian English tends to favor British spellings, so "emphasise."
What is the verb form of emphasis?
The verb form is either emphasize or emphasise.
Is emphasize used in academic writing?
Yes, especially in American English academic writing.
Should I use emphasise in British publications?
Yes, British publications generally prefer British spellings.
Does the meaning change in different contexts?
The meaning remains consistent across different contexts.
Is one form more correct than the other?
Neither is more correct; it depends on regional convention.
Are there synonyms for emphasize/emphasise?
Yes, words like highlight, stress, or accentuate are similar.
How do I use emphasize/emphasise in a sentence?
Use it when you want to make a point stand out or seem more important.
Do both forms have the same grammatical rules?
Yes, the grammatical usage is the same for both spellings.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
