emphases

1 definition found

emphases - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  emphasis \em"pha*sis\ ([e^]m"f[.a]*s[i^]s), n.; pl. Emphases
     ([e^]m"f[.a]*s[=e]z). [L., fr. Gr. 'e`mfasis significance,
     force of expression, fr. 'emfai`nein to show in, indicate;
     'en in + fai`nein 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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A peculiar impressiveness of expression or weight of
        thought; vivid representation, enforcing assent; as, to
        dwell on a subject with great emphasis.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              External objects stand before us . . . in all the
              life and emphasis of extension, figure, and color.
                                                    --Sir W.
                                                    Hamilton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [PJC]
  
     4. something to which great importance is attached; as, the
        need for increased spending on education was the emphasis
        of his speech.
        [PJC]