Accentuating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accentuating

[ษ™kหˆsษ›ntสƒuหŒeษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in communication

To emphasize or make something more noticeable or prominent.

Synonyms

emphasize, highlight, underscore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accentuating

Use when you want to stress a particular feature or detail to make it more noticeable or prominent. Often used in fashion, design, or speaking.

  • The designer chose a bright belt, accentuating her narrow waist.
  • Her speech was powerful, accentuating the need for change.
emphasize

Ideal for situations where you want to make something more clear or give it more importance in order to ensure it is understood or remembered.

  • Teachers emphasize the importance of homework.
  • He raised his voice to emphasize his point.
highlight

Best used when you want to bring attention to something specific, often to make it stand out from the rest. Commonly used in documents, presentations, or visual contexts.

  • The report highlights the yearโ€™s achievements.
  • She highlighted the text with a marker.
underscore

Used when you want to stress something important, often to add weight or credibility to an argument. It can also be used in a negative situation to underline flaws or issues.

  • The findings underscore the need for further research.
  • His actions underscore his lack of commitment.

Examples of usage

  • She was accentuating the importance of teamwork in her speech.
  • The artist used lighting to accentuate the features of the sculpture.
Context #2 | Verb

in fashion

To draw attention to or emphasize a particular feature or aspect, especially in clothing or accessories.

Synonyms

emphasize, highlight, show off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accentuating

This is often used when trying to bring particular attention to a detail or feature. It suggests a deliberate action to make something more noticeable.

  • The designer is accentuating the model's curves with this dress.
  • The lighting is accentuating the shadows on her face.
emphasize

This word is commonly used in speech or writing to underline the importance of an idea, detail, or fact. It conveys the notion of making something stand out for clarity or significance.

  • The teacher emphasized the importance of doing homework.
  • He emphasized his point by speaking more slowly.
highlight

Typically used in both visual and textual contexts to point out something of particular interest or importance. It can also refer to physically marking text with a highlighter.

  • The report highlighted the need for immediate action.
  • She used a marker to highlight the important sections of the book.
show off

This has a negative connotation and is used when someone is trying to attract attention in an ostentatious or boastful way. It suggests a display of something to impress others.

  • He's always showing off his new car.
  • She was showing off her singing skills at the party.

Examples of usage

  • Her belt accentuated her waist.
  • The dress accentuated her curves.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Accentuating aspects of a conversation can affect perceptions and memories, as people remember emphasized words more vividly.
  • The use of accentuation can create a persuasive effect, as it highlights key points in reasoning or arguments.
  • In communication, individuals might unconsciously accentuate certain traits or behaviors to draw attention and influence othersโ€™ opinions.

Education

  • In teaching, accentuating important lessons can help students retain information better.
  • Using visual aids to accentuate points in a presentation helps learners engage with the material more effectively.
  • Teachers often accentuate key terms during lessons to guide studentsโ€™ focus on whatโ€™s crucial.

Art

  • In visual art, accentuating specific colors or shapes can create contrast and draw the viewerโ€™s eye.
  • Artists might use techniques that accentuate certain features of a subject to convey mood or emotion.
  • In music, accentuating certain beats can change the feel of a piece, making it more dynamic or lively.

Pop Culture

  • In film and television, directors often use editing to accentuate dramatic moments or pivotal plot twists.
  • Social media influencers accentuate their personal brand by emphasizing particular traits and styles in their content.
  • Fashion designers frequently accentuate clothing features, such as waists or shoulders, to make garments stand out on the runway.

Origin of 'accentuating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'accentuate' comes from the Latin word 'accentuare', meaning to 'pronounce strongly'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'accentus', which referred to musical tones, linking it to emphasis.
  • The term has been used since the early 19th century in English, primarily to describe emphasizing speech and writing.

The word 'accentuating' comes from the verb 'accentuate', which is derived from the Latin word 'accentuare', meaning 'to mark with an acute accent'. The use of 'accentuate' in English dates back to the 18th century, and it has been used to convey the idea of emphasizing or making something more noticeable ever since.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,779, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.