accentuate

verb

ac·​cen·​tu·​ate ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt How to pronounce accentuate (audio)
ak-
accentuated; accentuating

transitive verb

: to make (something) more prominent or noticeable : accent, emphasize
With her hair in tight curls that accentuate her pale beauty, she seems lit from within.Peter Travers
trying to accentuate the positive aspects of the program
also : intensify
accentuates the feeling of despair
accentuation noun

Did you know?

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.

Examples of accentuate in a Sentence

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 Web The blocks call attention to the grid that underlies the compositions, and their contrast with the twisting bands accentuates the kinetic energy of Cwiok’s approach. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 This measure accentuates the heart of customer-centricity. Chris Kille, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Convenience Concepts Palm Beach Spindle Table End tables not only accentuate furniture but are highly functional. Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 Here, cola’s makeup is accentuated by coriander seeds and ginger and grows savory with tomato paste, garlic and soy sauce. Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 The score, composed by Jose A. Parody, accentuates all moods, from gloom and terror to determination and exasperation. Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 Stone wore her hair tied up to accentuate the asymmetrical neckline of the dress. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 Brightly colored paper placed beneath the lace accentuates the design. Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024 Such credit disparities accentuate racial inequalities in accessing quality housing and affordable credit. Michael Lucarelli, Forbes, 14 Feb. 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 accentus accent entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accentuate was circa 1719

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near accentuate

Cite this Entry

“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accentuate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

accentuate

verb
ac·​cen·​tu·​ate ik-ˈsen-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce accentuate (audio)
ak-
accentuated; accentuating
1
: to pronounce or mark with an accent
2
: emphasize
the blue shirt accentuates your eyes
accentuation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on accentuate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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