accentuation

noun

ac·​cen·​tu·​a·​tion ik-ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce accentuation (audio)
(ˈ)ak-
plural -s
Synonyms of accentuationnext
1
: the act or the result of accentuating
2
a
: the correspondence between the accents of a melody and those of the text being set
b
: the placement of a musical accent in a phrase either coinciding with or independent of the basic meter

Word History

Etymology

accentuate + -ion

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accentuation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Accentuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accentuation. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

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