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Accent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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accent

[หˆรฆksษ›nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

linguistic

A distinctive way of pronouncing a language, especially one associated with a particular country, area, or social class.

Synonyms

dialect, intonation, pronunciation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accent

Another use refers to a particular focus or emphasis placed on a part of something.

  • There is an accent on efficiency in this new strategy.
  • In the word 'banana', the accent is on the second syllable.
pronunciation

The way in which a word or a language is spoken, focusing on how sounds are produced.

  • Her pronunciation of Latin words was flawless.
  • He had difficulty with the correct pronunciation of 'schedule'.
intonation

The rise and fall of the voice in speaking, especially important in conveying different meanings or emotions.

  • Her question was obvious because of the rising intonation.
  • His intonation suggested he was not happy about the decision.
dialect

A form of a language specific to a particular region or social group, often including distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

  • He spoke a Scottish dialect that was hard to understand.
  • Different Chinese dialects are spoken across the country.

Examples of usage

  • She has a strong French accent.
  • His Southern accent was very noticeable.
Context #2 | Noun

musical

A mark on a letter indicating a particular pronunciation.

Synonyms

diacritic, stress mark.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accent

Use this word to refer to the emphasis on a particular part of a word in speech.

  • In the word 'banana', the accent is on the second syllable.
stress mark

Use this word to refer to symbols that show where to put emphasis when pronouncing words, particularly in phonetics and dictionaries.

  • In dictionaries, words often have stress marks to guide pronunciation.
  • The stress mark in 'hello' is on the second syllable.
diacritic

Use this word when talking about special marks added to letters to indicate different pronunciations, mainly in written language.

  • The letter 'รฉ' in French has a diacritic mark indicating it's pronounced 'ay'.
  • In Spanish, the รฑ has a diacritic mark called a tilde.

Examples of usage

  • The acute accent in Spanish indicates stress on the syllable.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To emphasize a particular feature or quality.

Synonyms

emphasize, highlight, underscore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accent

Used to indicate that something is being stressed or singled out due to its importance. Often used in design, fashion, or speech to point out specific elements.

  • In her living room, the red pillows accent the dark sofa
  • The teacher's accent on the word 'important' made the students pay more attention
emphasize

Often used in both spoken and written language to stress the importance of a particular point or element. Common in educational, professional, and everyday contexts.

  • The coach emphasized the importance of teamwork
  • The article emphasizes the need for better healthcare
highlight

Frequently used to bring attention to the most important or interesting parts of something. Common in presentations, reports, and conversations.

  • The presenter highlighted the key points of the project
  • The website uses bold text to highlight special offers
underscore

Primarily used in writing to draw extra attention to a point for clarity or importance. Has a formal tone and is often seen in professional or academic settings.

  • Her actions underscore the importance of integrity
  • The report underscores the challenges faced by the organization

Examples of usage

  • The painting accents the vibrant colors of the flowers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Individuals from different regions often have unique pronunciations that develop over time due to geographical isolation.
  • Accents can include variations in pitch, speed, and rhythm, making each person's speech distinct.

Cultural Significance

  • Different accents can express identity, belonging, and cultural pride, often connecting people to their heritage.
  • In theater, actors study accents to portray characters authentically and enrich storytelling.

Psychology

  • People often associate specific accents with personality traits, which can affect judgments about individuals.
  • Research shows that accents can influence communication outcomes, such as trust and credibility.

Media and Representation

  • Films and TV shows frequently feature characters with distinct accents to enhance realism and engagement.
  • Voice acting employs various accents to create diverse characters, appealing to broader audiences.

Origin of 'accent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'accent' comes from the Latin 'acentus,' meaning 'tone' or 'way of speaking.'
  • In the 14th century, it was used to describe the emphasis on certain syllables in words.

The word 'accent' originated from the Latin word 'accentus', which means 'tone' or 'signal'. It was first recorded in English in the 14th century. Accents have played a significant role in distinguishing various languages and regional dialects. They can also reflect social status and cultural background. In music, accents are used to indicate stress or emphasis on a particular note or beat.

See also: accentuate, accentuated, accentuating, accentuation, accentuator.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,766 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.