What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
highlight
Example
The highlight of the party was the surprise performance by a famous singer. [highlight: noun]
Example
The speaker used visual aids to highlight the key points of the presentation. [highlight: verb]
spotlight
Example
The singer stood in the spotlight and began to sing. [spotlight: noun]
Example
The news article spotlighted the issue of homelessness in the city. [spotlight: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Highlight is more commonly used than spotlight in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between highlight and spotlight?
Both highlight and spotlight can be used in formal and informal contexts, but highlight is generally considered more neutral and less formal than spotlight, which is often associated with media or entertainment contexts.