WordWeb Online

1. Single out as important; draw attention to (something)
   "Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet";
   - stress, emphasise [Brit], punctuate, accent, accentuate
    
2. Give extra weight to (a communication)
   "Her gesture emphasized her words";
   - underscore, underline, emphasise [Brit]

1. Reduce the emphasis
   "Learn when to de-emphasize grades in your course or subject";
   - de-emphasise [Brit], destress

Derived forms: de-emphasizing, de-emphasizes, de-emphasized

See also: foreground, highlight, play up, spotlight

Type of: alter, change, evince [formal], express, modify, show

Encyclopedia: Emphasize