noun pl. emphases -·ses′ (-sēz′)

1. force of expression, thought, feeling, action, etc.
2. special stress given as to a syllable, word, or phrase in speaking
3. special attention given to something so as to make it stand out; importance; stress; weight to put less emphasis on athletics

Etymology: L < Gr emphasis, an appearing in, outward appearance < emphainein, to indicate < en-, in + phainein, to show < IE base *bha-, to shine > OE bonian, to polish