What is highlight? Pronunciation and usage in English

highlight means . Learn how to pronounce and use highlight through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of highlight

highlightnoun

/ˈhʌɪlʌɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of highlight

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "highlight." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈhaɪ.lɪt/ (This is the one you'll hear most often)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • "hi": Pronounced like "high" - as in, "high school." The "h" is silent.
  • "li": Pronounced like "lee" - as in, "Lee Harvey Oswald."
  • "t": This is a short, quick "t" sound, like in "top."

Putting it together: “hi-lee-t”

Important Notes and Variations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("hi"). This is crucial.

  • Regional Variations: You might hear slight variations depending on where someone is from:

    • Some people might say a very slight "ay" sound on the first syllable, almost like “hay-light.” This is less common but still understandable.

Resources for Hearing It:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like:

  • To practice saying the word out loud? (I can't hear you directly, but I can give you feedback on your pronunciation if you read it to me).
  • To know how it's pronounced in a specific dialect (e.g., British English vs. American English)?

Usage and examples with the word highlight in English

Let's break down how to use the word "highlight" in English. It has several different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb (to emphasize):

  • Meaning: To draw attention to something; to make something stand out.
  • Examples:
    • “I highlighted the key passages in the textbook.” (Meaning: I drew attention to them by marking them.)
    • “She highlighted his talent during the interview.” (Meaning: She emphasized his talent.)
    • “Please highlight the important points in your report.” (Meaning: Make them more noticeable.)
    • “The speaker highlighted the challenges we face.” (Meaning: He emphasized the challenges.)

2. As a Verb (to mark something with color):

  • Meaning: To use a colored marker or pen to mark something (often in a document or book). This is the most common usage today.
  • Examples:
    • “I need to highlight this sentence so I don't forget it.”
    • “She highlighted all the nouns in the paragraph.”
    • “Don't highlight everything—just the most important points!”
    • “Can you highlight the parts that you don't understand?”

3. As a Noun (a brightly colored marker):

  • Meaning: The colored marker itself.
  • Examples:
    • "I used a highlight to mark the main idea."
    • "She brought a stack of highlights to school."

4. As a Noun (a prominent feature or point):

  • Meaning: Something that stands out or is particularly important. This is often used in contexts like presentations or discussions.
  • Examples:
    • “The highlight of the trip was visiting the Grand Canyon.” (Meaning: The most exciting or memorable part.)
    • “The highlight of the conference was the keynote speaker.”
    • “The highlight of his career was winning the championship.”
    • “Let’s focus on the highlights of the report.” (Meaning: The most important parts.)

5. Specific Contexts:

  • In Computer Software (Word Processors, etc.): “Highlight” refers to the functionality that allows you to change the color or background of text to draw attention to it. (e.g., "I highlighted the email address.")

  • Brain Activity (Neuroscience): "Neural highlights" refers to areas of intense activity in the brain, often studied using fMRI.

Here's a little table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb (emphasize) To draw attention to I highlighted the key points.
Verb (mark) To mark with color I highlighted the important words.
Noun (marker) The colored marker She used a highlight pen.
Noun (feature) A prominent or important part The concert was the highlight.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "highlight"? (e.g., write an essay, give a presentation, etc.)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you’re planning to use it?

Synonyms for the word highlight

Practice with vocabulary highlight

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic survey aims to ______ the disparities in income distribution across different regions.
  2. During the team meeting, the project manager will ______ the critical milestones achieved in the last quarter.
  3. The architectural plans clearly ______ the proposed layout for the new office space.
  4. It is essential to ______ the precise requirements before developing a new software module.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The upcoming conference will ______ cutting-edge research in sustainable energy. A) obscure B) showcase C) diminish D) highlight

  2. Before presenting the proposal, you should ______ any potential risks to the stakeholders. A) overlook B) address C) downplay D) highlight

  3. The executive summary of the report should be concise and ______ only the most impactful data. A) elaborate on B) focus on C) obscure D) highlight

  4. Please ______ the document carefully for any factual inaccuracies before publication. A) underscore B) emphasize C) proofread D) highlight

  5. The company decided to ______ its record profits this year by giving employees a bonus. A) celebrate B) point out C) underscore D) highlight

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The study made it very clear that there is a significant impact of climate change on coastal areas. Rewrite:
  2. Original: During the negotiation, it's crucial to ensure the advantages of our offer are prominent. Rewrite:
  3. Original: The consultant's report provided a thorough explanation of the inefficiencies in the supply chain. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. highlight
  2. highlight
  3. outline
  4. specify

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) showcase, D) highlight
  2. B) address, D) highlight
  3. B) focus on, D) highlight
  4. C) proofread
  5. A) celebrate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The study served to highlight the significant impact of climate change on coastal areas.
  2. During the negotiation, it's crucial to highlight the advantages of our offer.
  3. The consultant's report clarified the inefficiencies in the supply chain.

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