Word of the Day

: November 27, 2008

accentuate

verb ak-SEN-shu-wayt

What It Means

: accent, emphasize; also : intensify

accentuate in Context

Job-seekers are encouraged to accentuate their most valuable skills and experience, and to downplay any gaps in their work history.

Did You Know?

When you "accentuate" something, you put an "accent" (or emphasis) on it. So it will come as no surprise to learn that etymologists have traced "accentuate" back to "accentus," the Latin word for "accent." "Accentus," in turn, combines the prefix "ad-" with "cantus," meaning "song." Other descendants of "accentus" in English include "accent" itself, as well as "accentual" ("of, relating to, or characterized by accent").