Accentuate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
accentuate
[ษkหsษntสสหeษชt ]
Definitions
in speech or writing
To accentuate means to emphasize or make something more noticeable or prominent.
Synonyms
emphasize, highlight, stress, underscore.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accentuate |
Used to make something more noticeable or prominent. Often used in fashion, design, or speech.
|
| emphasize |
Often used when wanting to give special importance to something in speech or writing.
|
| highlight |
Commonly used to draw attention to something important or significant. Often seen in writing, events, or presentations.
|
| underscore |
Often used in formal contexts or writing to underline or emphasize a point. It can also involve physically underlining text.
|
| stress |
Generally used to give particular importance to something. Can also indicate mental pressure or urgency.
|
Examples of usage
- She accentuated the importance of the project during the meeting.
- His outfit accentuated his tall and slim figure.
- The designer used bold colors to accentuate the modern look of the room.
in music
To accentuate means to play or sing a note with greater emphasis or force.
Synonyms
emphasize, highlight, stress, underscore.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accentuate |
Used when you want to make something more noticeable or prominent, often in a subtle or elegant manner.
|
| emphasize |
Commonly used to make something more important or to draw special attention to it, often in communication.
|
| stress |
Often used to show the importance of something, especially concerns or issues, sometimes with a sense of urgency.
|
| highlight |
Appropriate for drawing attention to the most important parts of something, often used in writing or presentations.
|
| underscore |
Used to emphasize a fact or idea, often to underline its importance, typically in formal or written contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The pianist accentuated the melody by playing the notes staccato.
- The conductor asked the orchestra to accentuate the crescendo in the final movement.
- She used her voice to accentuate the emotional intensity of the song.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In art and fashion, designers often accentuate certain features to create a bold statement or a distinctive style.
- Public speaking and presentations often rely on accentuating key points to keep the audience engaged and focused.
- In music, certain notes or beats are accentuated to create rhythm or emotion within a piece, enhancing overall impact.
Psychology
- Studies have shown that emphasizing specific aspects of a conversation can significantly affect how information is processed and remembered.
- Accentuation can create a sense of importance that influences decision-making and attention in social interactions.
- The concept of 'framing' in psychology often relies on accentuating certain perspectives to shape how people perceive a situation.
Literature
- In literature, authors use accentuation through descriptive language to highlight emotions or settings, enriching the text.
- Dialogue often depends on character accentuation to convey personality traits and regional backgrounds.
- Poems may accentuate certain words or phrases, creating rhythm and resonance within the auditory experience.
Education
- Teachers accentuate key concepts during lessons to help students focus on whatโs important for learning.
- Visual aids, like charts and pictures, are often used to accentuate information and enhance understanding.
- During assessments, students may be encouraged to accentuate their arguments in essays to make their points clearer.
Origin of 'accentuate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'accentuate' comes from the Latin word 'accentuare', which means 'to put an emphasis on'.
- The prefix 'ac-' means 'to' or 'toward', and 'centuare' is related to 'center', suggesting a focus.
- The transition into English occurred in the early 19th century, reflecting its increasing importance in language.
- Related words include 'accent', 'emphasize', and 'highlight', showing how they all share the same core idea of making things stand out.
The word 'accentuate' comes from the Latin word 'accentuare', which means 'to mark with an accent'. The term first appeared in English in the 18th century. It has been used to describe the act of emphasizing or highlighting something in speech, writing, or music ever since.
See also: accent, accentuated, accentuating, accentuation, accentuator.