B2 verb Neutral

stress

/strɛs/

To give special importance or emphasis to something in speech or writing. It also describes the state of experiencing mental or emotional strain or tension due to demanding circumstances.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I often stress about things that haven't happened yet.

I often worry or feel anxious about things that haven't happened yet.

2

The report stresses the need for immediate climate action.

The report emphasizes the need for immediate climate action.

3

Stop stressing! We still have plenty of time to get there.

Stop worrying! We still have plenty of time to get there.

Word Family

Noun
stress
Verb
stress
Adverb
stressfully
Adjective
stressful
Related
stressor
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'stress ball': you press it hard to represent placing 'emphasis' on a point, and you use it to release 'tension.'

Quick Quiz

The manager wanted to ___ the importance of meeting the deadline.

Correct!

The correct answer is: stress

Examples

1

I often stress about things that haven't happened yet.

everyday

I often worry or feel anxious about things that haven't happened yet.

2

The report stresses the need for immediate climate action.

formal

The report emphasizes the need for immediate climate action.

3

Stop stressing! We still have plenty of time to get there.

informal

Stop worrying! We still have plenty of time to get there.

4

Linguists stress the first syllable of the word 'record' when it is used as a noun.

academic

Linguists place emphasis on the first syllable of the word 'record' when it is used as a noun.

5

During the meeting, the CEO stressed the value of customer feedback.

business

During the meeting, the CEO emphasized the value of customer feedback.

Word Family

Noun
stress
Verb
stress
Adverb
stressfully
Adjective
stressful
Related
stressor

Common Collocations

stress the importance to emphasize how important something is
stress the fact to emphasize a specific truth
stress out to become very worried or anxious
heavily stress to place a lot of emphasis on something
stress the need to emphasize that something is necessary

Common Phrases

stress out

to feel or cause to feel extreme transition or tiredness

stress the point

to make an argument very clearly and forcefully

stress over something

to worry excessively about a specific issue

Often Confused With

stress vs emphasize

Emphasize is purely about importance, while stress can also refer to emotional strain.

stress vs strain

Strain often refers to physical force or injury, while stress is more commonly used for mental pressure or linguistic emphasis.

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Usage Notes

In academic writing, 'stress' is almost always used as a synonym for 'emphasize.' In medical or psychological contexts, it refers to the body's reaction to challenges.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the preposition 'about' when using stress to mean worry (e.g., saying 'I am stressing the exam' instead of 'I am stressing about the exam').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'stress ball': you press it hard to represent placing 'emphasis' on a point, and you use it to release 'tension.'

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English 'stresse,' a shortening of 'distresse' (distress), ultimately from Latin 'stringere' meaning 'to draw tight.'

Grammar Patterns

stress + noun phrase (to emphasize) stress + that-clause (to emphasize a fact) stress + about + noun (to worry)

Quick Quiz

The manager wanted to ___ the importance of meeting the deadline.

Correct!

The correct answer is: stress

Related Phrases

Related Words

toxin

B2

A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or animals. It is capable of causing disease or health issues when it enters body tissues through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.

pesticide

B2

A chemical substance used to kill or control pests that are harmful to crops, livestock, or humans. It is an umbrella term that includes insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides used widely in agriculture and gardening.

fertilizer

B2

A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. It is primarily used in gardening and agriculture to help crops develop faster and produce higher yields.

irrigation

B2

To supply land or crops with water through man-made systems such as pipes, ditches, or sprinklers. It is an essential agricultural process used to assist in the growth of plants, especially in areas with low rainfall.

flood

B2

Describing something relating to a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry, or metaphorically, being overwhelmed by an excessive quantity of something. In common usage, the form 'flooded' is typically used as the adjective to describe this state.

erosion

B2

Erosion is the process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice. In a figurative sense, it refers to the gradual destruction or reduction of something abstract, such as power, rights, or confidence.

desertification

B2

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. It represents a significant environmental challenge where land loses its biological productivity and ability to support human life.

afforestation

B2

Afforestation is the process of establishing a forest on land that has not recently been covered by trees. It involves planting seeds or saplings to create new wooded areas, often to improve the environment or for commercial timber.

endangered

B2

To put someone or something at risk or in a situation where they could be harmed, damaged, or destroyed. In environmental contexts, it specifically refers to species that are at high risk of becoming extinct in the near future.

extinction

B2

Extinction is the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct, meaning it no longer has any living members. It can also refer to the act of making something, such as a fire, a feeling, or a practice, cease to exist.

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