stress
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 5I often stress about things that haven't happened yet.
I often worry or feel anxious about things that haven't happened yet.
The report stresses the need for immediate climate action.
The report emphasizes the need for immediate climate action.
Stop stressing! We still have plenty of time to get there.
Stop worrying! We still have plenty of time to get there.
Word Family
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
I often stress about things that haven't happened yet.
everydayI often worry or feel anxious about things that haven't happened yet.
The report stresses the need for immediate climate action.
formalThe report emphasizes the need for immediate climate action.
Stop stressing! We still have plenty of time to get there.
informalStop worrying! We still have plenty of time to get there.
Linguists stress the first syllable of the word 'record' when it is used as a noun.
academicLinguists place emphasis on the first syllable of the word 'record' when it is used as a noun.
During the meeting, the CEO stressed the value of customer feedback.
businessDuring the meeting, the CEO emphasized the value of customer feedback.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
Emphasize is purely about importance, while stress can also refer to emotional strain.
Strain often refers to physical force or injury, while stress is more commonly used for mental pressure or linguistic emphasis.
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.
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
Quick Quiz
The manager wanted to ___ the importance of meeting the deadline.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stress
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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