highlight

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To draw special attention to something, often by emphasizing it or making it stand out.

   Grammar: Takes an object: highlight a problem, highlight the need for change.

   Patterns

   • highlight something
   • highlight the importance of something
   • highlight a problem

   The report highlights the need for better funding.

   She highlighted the main points in her presentation.

   The survey highlights a growing gap between rich and poor.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To mark text with a bright color, usually to make it easier to remember or find.

   Grammar: Often used with a pen or digital tool: highlight a sentence, highlight in yellow.

   Patterns

   • highlight something in something
   • highlight a passage

   He highlighted the key sentences in yellow.

   Please highlight the relevant sections of the contract.

   I always highlight new words when I read.

3. 3nouncountable

   The most memorable, enjoyable, or important part of an event or experience.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the' and followed by 'of': the highlight of the trip.

   Patterns

   • the highlight of something
   • a highlight of something

   The highlight of the trip was seeing the sunrise over the mountains.

   Meeting the author was definitely the highlight of the conference.

   The goal in the final minute was the highlight of the match.

4. 4nouncountable

   A bright area or streak in hair, or a light spot in a picture.

   Grammar: Often used in the plural for hair: highlights.

   Patterns

   • highlights in something
   • add highlights

   She had blonde highlights put in her hair.

   The painting shows highlights on the water.

   The photographer used highlights to create a dramatic effect.

Word forms

Common combinations

highlight the importance

The teacher highlighted the importance of regular practice.

highlight a problem

The article highlights a serious problem in the education system.

highlight in yellow

She highlighted the key terms in yellow.

the highlight of the trip

The boat ride was the highlight of the trip.

highlights of the game

We watched the highlights of the game on the news.

Synonyms and how they differ

emphasize

Focuses on giving special importance to something, often in speech or writing, but doesn't mean to mark with color.

underline

Can mean to draw a line under text, or to emphasize; less about bright color.

stress

Means to give special force to a point, often by repeating it; not used for marking text.

spotlight

Suggests drawing public attention to something, often in the media.

Opposites

Word family

highlighting noun

The act of marking text with color or drawing attention to something.

highlighter noun

A bright pen used to mark text.

Commonly confused: highlight or highlight?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “highlight”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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