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Emphasis

Definition

Emphasis refers to giving importance or significance to certain aspects within a text or speech. In terms of an argument, emphasis involves using words, phrases, and clauses strategically in order to highlight key points and make them more memorable.

Analogy

Imagine you are listening to your favorite song with headphones on. Suddenly, there's a part where the volume increases significantly for a few seconds before going back down. That sudden increase in volume is like emphasis in an argument – it grabs your attention and makes sure you don't miss out on important information.

Related terms

Accentuate: Accentuating means emphasizing or bringing greater attention to something specific. Within the context of emphasizing arguments through modification, accentuating involves making certain elements more prominent or noticeable.

Reinforce: Reinforcing refers to strengthening or supporting something. When applied to emphasis in arguments, reinforcing entails using words, phrases, and clauses to bolster key points and make them more convincing.

Intensify: Intensifying means increasing the strength or force of something. In relation to emphasizing an argument through modification, intensifying involves adding power and impact to specific aspects within the argument.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.