'emphasize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'emphainein,' where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'phainein' meant 'to show.'

'emphainein' transformed into the French word 'emphasier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'emphasize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to show or display,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.'