destacar

to emphasize

to stand out

destacar(dehs-tah-kahr)

transitive verb

1. (to direct attention to)

a. to emphasize

Hay que destacar la importancia de asistir a clase para aprobar la materia.

We've got to emphasize the importance of attending class to pass the subject.

b. to emphasise

(United Kingdom)

El presidente destacó su compromiso con el cambio.

The president emphasised his commitment to change.

c. to stress

El artículo destaca las diferencias entre un abordaje teórico y uno práctico.

The article stresses the differences between a theoretical and a practical approach.

d. to highlight

Quisiera destacar el efecto de las medidas que se piensan tomar en los próximos días.

I'd like to highlight the effects of the policies that they're planning to adopt in the next few days.

2. (to send)

a. to detail

Las tropas fueron destacadas para defender la frontera.

The troops were detailed to defend the border.

b. to station

Rudi fue destacado a la Antártida el año pasado.

Rudi was stationed in Antarctica last year.

c. to post

Tuvieron que destacar más guardias en los puestos fronterizos.

They had to post more guards at border points.

d. to assign

Smith fue destacado a Alemania en 1944.

Smith was assigned to Germany in 1944.

intransitive verb

3. (to be conspicuous)

a. to stand out

Esa joven destaca por su belleza.

That young woman stands out because of her beauty.

destacarse

pronominal verb

4. (to be conspicuous)

a. to stand out

Laura se destaca por sus habilidades artísticas.

Laura stands out because of her artistic abilities.

b. to be outlined

En el cuadro, la punta del campanario se destaca contra la puesta del sol.

In the picture, the tip of the bell tower is outlined against the sunset.

c. to be silhouetted

La luna roja se destacaba contra el cielo oscuro.

The red moon was silhouetted against the dark sky.