When you accentuate something you put an “accent,” or emphasis, on it. There’s no need to stress out if you don’t know the word’s history, though; its journey into the English language was very straightforward. It comes from Latin accentus, meaning “accent” (which itself comes in part from cantus, meaning “song”), and since the early 18th century, its meanings haven’t changed much. The word was initially used as a synonym of the verb accent to mean “to pronounce with greater stress or force,” which is a small leap from today’s meaning of “to make something more noticeable; to emphasize.” One excellent way to remember not only how to pronounce accentuate but also its etymological connection to song is the classic (and helpfully titled) tune “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, which has been performed by such luminaries as Dinah Washington, Sam Cooke, and Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.
He likes to wear clothes that accentuate his muscular build.
let's accentuate the saxophones during this piece by having the sax players stand up
Recent Examples on the WebThe post accentuates the difference in their postures.—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024 Lastly, a pair of maroon Cartier glasses, a few tennis necklaces, a tiny cross earring, and Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets accentuated his outfit.—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Apr. 2024 For comparison, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones slightly accentuate the lower frequencies.—PCMAG, 21 Apr. 2024 New businesses should accentuate that beautiful slice of small town life.—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024 The overall silhouette was narrow and slim: Shoulders were accentuated but not exaggerated, and waists were slightly nipped.—Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024 Colorist, Jacob Schwartz, accentuated Robbie’s natural brown hair with a darker blonde with brunette roots and highlights throughout.—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024 An influx of foreigners in Kyiv—from aid workers to entrepreneurs—accentuates the disconnect.—Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 The ethereal singer goes minimal on her makeup, but accentuates with a matching bright red lip.—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accentuate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Medieval Latin accentuātus, past participle of accentuāre "to accent, stress," derivative of Latin accentusaccent entry 1
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