highlight

Highlight is a term used to describe something that stands out or is emphasized. As a verb, it means to mark or draw attention to a detail, feature, or piece of information. As a noun, it can refer to the brightest part of a surface illuminated by light, a prominent moment, or an emphasized portion of text or media.

In visual arts and lighting, a highlight is the area on an object that directly reflects the light source, appearing very bright relative to surrounding areas. Highlights help convey form, texture, and depth. In photography and film, highlights are the brightest parts of an image; preserving detail in these regions is a key consideration of exposure and dynamic range, while overly bright highlights can become clipped and lose detail.

In writing and digital interfaces, highlighting is the act of marking text or elements to indicate focus, importance, or selection. Highlighted text is typically distinguished by color, background, or underlining to guide readers or viewers.

In hair styling, highlights refer to lighter strands added to hair to create contrast and depth. Techniques include foiling, balayage, and cap highlighting, and results range from natural sun-kissed tones to dramatic contrasts.

In media and entertainment, a highlight can be a short feature or montage that showcases the best moments, such as a sports highlight reel or a curated summary of events. The term emphasizes quality or significance, signaling content intended to be memorable or noteworthy.