highlight

[ hahy-lahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, high·light·ed, high·light·ing.

1. to emphasize or make prominent:

   The lawsuit against the landlord highlighted the need for a stricter building code.

   Synonyms: feature, underline, accent, stress

2. to mark with a felt-tip highlighter:

   I started highlighting the text (yellow for important ideas, blue for dates and facts), but I'm not sure it was productive in the long run.

3. to create highlights in (a photograph or engraving).
4. to dye (parts of the hair) lighter.
5. to apply makeup to (the face) in places where light would naturally hit, to create a glowing effect:

   After blending the foundation, highlight the cheekbones.

noun

1. Sometimes high light. an important, conspicuous, memorable, or enjoyable event, scene, part, or the like: the highlight of the concert series.

   the highlight of his talk;

   the highlight of the concert series.

2. the area of most intense light on a represented form, as in a painting or photograph.
3. Usually high·lights. a section of hair that has been dyed lighter.

highlight

/ ˈhaɪˌlaɪt /

noun

1. an area of the lightest tone in a painting, drawing, photograph, etc
2. the most exciting or memorable part of an event or period of time
3. often plural a bleached blond streak in the hair

verb

1. painting drawing photog to mark (any brightly illuminated or prominent part of a form or figure) with light tone
2. to bring notice or emphasis to
3. to be the highlight of
4. to produce blond streaks in (the hair) by bleaching

Word History and Origins

Origin of highlight¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; high + light ¹

Example Sentences

The satellite radio operator gave Yoakam his own channel in 2018 as a space to exercise his studious fandom — to talk with and highlight his peers and heroes and to share his musical taste and knowledge with listeners.

From Los Angeles Times

The orange sections of the map highlight the areas where staffing and services fall short.

From BBC

Wiltshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said their Spot the Signs project aims to highlight signs which might indicate a young person is being sucked into gang culture.

From BBC

While Myles accepts the "privilege" of being able to reach so many online and on tour, he feels it’s important to highlight the "other side".

From BBC

It is positioning itself as a key part of the "resistance" to Donald Trump, using the US election to highlight that is a media organisation without a billionaire proprietor - while also asking its readers for donations.

From BBC

Related Words

• accent
• accentuate
• emphasize
• feature
• play up
• point out
• stress