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enfatizar means to emphasize — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 16, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

enfatizar

verb • /[en-fah-tee-ZAR]/

to emphasize

Example:

Es importante enfatizar la necesidad del cambio.

It’s important to emphasize the need for change.

🧠 What does enfatizar mean?

To emphasize something means to give it special importance or prominence. In Spanish, "enfatizar" is used to highlight a particular point, idea, or feeling, making it stand out from the rest. It often implies a deliberate effort to draw attention to something you consider significant.

📚 Extra examples

  • El profesor enfatizó la importancia de estudiar para el examen.
    The teacher emphasized the importance of studying for the exam.
  • Quiero enfatizar que no estoy enojado, solo preocupado.
    I want to emphasize that I'm not angry, just worried.
  • Enfatizó sus palabras con un gesto de la mano.
    They emphasized their words with a hand gesture.
  • Debes enfatizar tus habilidades en la entrevista de trabajo.
    You should emphasize your skills in the job interview.
  • El artículo enfatiza los beneficios de una dieta saludable.
    The article emphasizes the benefits of a healthy diet.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'enfatizar' and 'resaltar' both mean 'to emphasize,' 'resaltar' can also mean 'to highlight' visually, like with a highlighter pen. 'Enfatizar' focuses more on the spoken or written emphasis.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "enfatizar"

Synonyms: resaltar, subrayar, destacar, recalcar
Opposites: minimizar, restar importancia

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to emphasize' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to emphasize' in Spanish is 'enfatizar'.
How do you pronounce 'enfatizar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ehn-fah-tee-sahr (IPA: /ɛn.fa.tiˈθaɾ/). The 'z' makes the 's' sound like the 'th' in 'thin'.
How do you use 'enfatizar' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'El autor enfatizó la importancia del tema.' (The author emphasized the importance of the topic.) or 'Ella enfatizó que necesitaba el informe para mañana.' (She emphasized that she needed the report by tomorrow.)
What is the English translation of 'enfatizar'?
The English translation of 'enfatizar' is 'to emphasize'.
Does 'enfatizar' change for gender or number?
No, 'enfatizar' is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation changes based on the tense and the subject pronoun, but not gender or number.
Is 'enfatizar' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood, 'enfatizar' leans towards a slightly more formal register. You'll encounter it in academic or professional contexts, news reports, or formal speeches, more often than casual conversation.
Does 'enfatizar' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'enfatizar' has a clear and consistent meaning and is not typically used in slang.
Is 'enfatizar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'enfatizar' has the same meaning and usage across both Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'enfatizar' in Spanish?
Here are some common conjugations: Present Tense: Yo enfatizo Tú enfatizas Él/Ella/Usted enfatiza Nosotros/as enfatizamos Vosotros/as enfatizáis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes enfatizan See a complete conjugation chart online or in a textbook for other tenses.

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