What is the closest meaning of the word *emphasize*?

The word emphasize means to give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing. When you emphasize a point, you highlight it to draw attention and ensure that it stands out.

The closest meaning to emphasize is accentuate, which also means to make something more noticeable or prominent. Both terms involve enhancing the visibility or importance of an element, thereby conveying a stronger message.

The other options represent different actions that do not align with the meaning of emphasize. Illuminate refers to lighting something up or making it clear, which does not necessarily imply highlighting its importance. Simplify means to make something easier to understand or less complex, while minimize indicates reducing significance or importance, which is the opposite of emphasizing something.