Highlight

ˈhaɪlaɪt

verbBeginnerVery CommonLiterature

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To emphasize or make something stand out.

ˈhaɪlaɪt

verbneutralBeginner
Literature

To emphasize or draw attention to something.

I will highlight the key points of the presentation.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a book, and you use a yellow marker to make important stuff pop out. Highlighting is just like that – it's making something extra noticeable, so you don't miss it!

👶 For kids: To make something special or important stand out, like using a yellow marker to make important words stand out in your book.

More Examples

2

The report highlighted the flaws in the current system.

3

She decided to highlight her best qualities in the job interview.

How It's Used

Education

"The teacher highlighted the key points of the lesson."

Journalism

"The article highlighted the ongoing debate about climate change."

Design

"The designer highlighted the key features of the product with a contrasting color."

2

The most important or memorable part of something; an outstanding feature or detail.

ˈhaɪlaɪt

nounneutralBeginner
General

An outstanding event or detail.

The highlight of the trip was visiting the Grand Canyon.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a movie, and the best scenes are shown again and again. A highlight is like the best part of something, the most exciting or important moment!

👶 For kids: The most fun part of something, like the best ride at the fair or the best toy in your toy box!

More Examples

2

The highlights of the event were captured on video.

3

The highlight of the week was the surprise party.

How It's Used

Sports

"The game's highlights were shown on the evening news."

Social Events

"The wedding's highlight was the bride's entrance."

Tip:Think of the 'highlight reel' from a sports game – the most exciting moments are shown.
3

An area of brightness in a painting, photograph, or other visual representation.

ˈhaɪlaɪt

nounneutralmedium
Arts

A lighter area in a painting or photograph.

The highlights in her hair gave her a more dynamic look.

💡 Simply: If you're drawing a picture, the places where the light shines the brightest are called highlights. It's where you make the colours brighter or lighter to show the light source.

👶 For kids: The light spots in a picture or drawing.

More Examples

2

The painter carefully applied the highlights to the landscape.

3

The photographer adjusted the camera to reduce the highlights and improve the image's exposure.

How It's Used

Art

"The artist added highlights to the painting to create a sense of depth."

Photography

"The photographer adjusted the highlights to capture the details of the sunset."

Tip:Think of the areas that catch the light and appear brightest in a picture.

Idioms & expressions

highlight reel

A selection of the most exciting or important parts of an event, especially a sporting event.

"The sports channel showed the highlight reel after the game."

From 'high' + 'light'. The verb emerged in the late 19th century, initially referring to emphasizing something with a marker; the noun form developed alongside it.

The verb 'highlight' began to gain popularity in the late 19th century, correlating with the increased usage of pencils and markers.

Memory tip

Think of using a yellow marker to make important text stand out.

hightlighthighlite

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written