What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emphasise
Example
I want to emphasise the importance of punctuality in this workplace. [emphasise: verb]
Example
The speaker emphasised the need for more funding to support education. [emphasised: past tense]
highlight
Example
The report highlighted the key findings of the study. [highlighted: past tense]
Example
The speaker used a laser pointer to highlight the important points on the slide. [highlight: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Highlight is more commonly used than emphasise in everyday language. Highlight is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emphasise is less common and often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emphasise and highlight?
While emphasise is typically associated with a serious or formal tone, highlight can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
