Emphatic

/ɪmˈfatɪk/

adjectivemedium📊CommonCommunication
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

Showing or giving emphasis; expressing something forcibly and clearly.

/ɪmˈfatɪk/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Communication

Expressing something forcibly and clearly.

The teacher was emphatic that the homework was due tomorrow.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to convince your friend about something super important, like the best ice cream flavor. Being emphatic means you're saying it very strongly and clearly, so they definitely understand! Like, "No, no, NO! Chocolate is the ONLY way to go!"

👶 For kids: When you say something very strong so that people know you mean it!

More Examples

2

The speaker gave an emphatic speech about the importance of recycling.

3

His emphatic refusal to cooperate surprised everyone.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"She was emphatic in her denial of the accusations."

Legal

"The judge's ruling was emphatic, leaving no room for doubt."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

emphatic denial

A strong and clear refusal to acknowledge something as true.

"The suspect issued an emphatic denial of any involvement in the crime."

From Greek *emphatikos* (significant, expressive), from *emphainein* (to show clearly), from *en-* (in) + *phainein* (to show).

The word 'emphatic' has been used since the late 16th century, with its usage evolving to reflect a stronger emphasis than its earlier forms.

Memory tip

Think of an *emphatic* handshake - strong, decisive, and leaves a lasting impression, just like the word.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"to show clearly"

emphatic denialemphatic statementemphatic agreementemphatic responseemphatic tone

Common misspellings

emphatheticemphaticly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written