noun / verb
stress
Special emphasis on something, including a spoken syllable, or to emphasize it.
Our coach stresses the importance of teamwork before every game.
Etymology
Stress developed from pressure or constraint. Emphasis applies extra force to a point or syllable, making it more prominent than its surroundings.
More examples
- In “banana,” the stress falls on the second syllable.
- The school puts special stress on reading and writing.
- She stressed the word “today” so we understood the deadline.
Forms
stress · stresses · stressed · stressing