DictionaryhighlightImportant part
noun / verb

highlight

A part made lighter or brighter than its surroundings.

The artist adds a bright highlight to the painted apple.

Etymology

The compound joins high with light to identify the most strongly lit part. It can name an area made brighter than the neighboring surface.

More examples

  • She highlights a few strands of hair around her face.
  • The photographer softens the highlights to preserve detail in the clouds.
  • He highlights the edges of the petals with pale yellow paint.

Forms

highlight · highlights · highlighted · highlighting

Similar words

gleam
Suggests reflected light rather than a deliberately lightened area.
glint
Usually describes a brief flash rather than a lasting lighter area.