1. (

• underscore ,
• underline ,
• emphasize ,
• emphasise ,

) give extra weight to (a communication); "Her gesture emphasized her words" ;

2. (

• stress ,
• emphasize ,
• emphasise ,
• punctuate ,
• accent ,
• accentuate

) to stress, single out as important; "Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet" ;