accentuate

[ak-sen-choo-eyt]

verb (used with object)

accentuated, accentuating 

1. to give emphasis or prominence to.

2. to place the stress or emphasis on (a particular syllable or word) when pronouncing it or showing its pronunciation.

accentuate

/ ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to stress or emphasize

Other Word Forms

• accentuation noun
• overaccentuate verb (used with object)
• reaccentuate verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of accentuate¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from Medieval Latin accentuātus intoned (past participle of accentuāre ); accent, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Entirely by accident, it also accentuates the pattern “The Biggest Loser” established for influencer culture to follow later.

From Salon

She mentions her plan to attend a bridal fashion show with Charlotte, LTW and Carrie, and he snidely deems marriage to be a joke, urinating as he says it to accentuate his disdain.

From Salon

When I was writing, I accentuated the positive with the harmonies, giving that warm feeling, and the subject matter being fun at times.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any live performance, the director guides and informs the actors, suggesting pauses, accentuated deliveries, a focus on particular moments of the action.

From BBC

The fact one player has already complained of slight muscular soreness in recent days will have accentuated Glasner's concerns.

From BBC

Related Words

• emphasize 
• highlight 
• point up 
• underline 
• underscore