emphasis

the particular importance or attention that is given to something:

I think we should put as much emphasis on preventing disease as we do on curing it.

Schools here put/place/lay great emphasis on written work and grammar.

the extra force that is given to a word or part of a word when it is spoken:

The emphasis is on the final syllable.

Where do you put the emphasis in the word "controversy"?

The school puts a lot of emphasis on teaching children to read and write.

You can never place enough emphasis upon the importance of safety.

Words are sometimes italicized for emphasis.