accentuate

[ ak-sen-choo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·cen·tu·at·ed, ac·cen·tu·at·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• acˌcentuˈation, noun

Other Words From

• o·ver·ac·cen·tu·ate verb (used with object) overaccentuated overaccentuating
• re·ac·cen·tu·ate verb (used with object) reaccentuated reaccentuating

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

“You’ve got to go make it work with what you have,” Riley said, “And try to accentuate the things that we do well, and then try to — I don’t know if cover up’s the right word, but you got to try to create with what you have.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Chimp Crazy" is constructed as entertainment, with a soundtrack and framing choices that accentuate the absurd comedy of this situation alongside the tragedy.

From Salon

I felt — and I know Emma felt this very strongly too, and so did the cinematographer, and we talked to Peter about it as well — that I wanted to accentuate the loneliness of it, the isolation of it, rather than the energy of the act itself.

From Los Angeles Times

The company’s stock is typically volatile, so such large moves are not unusual, especially after the official close of regular trading, when low trading volumes can accentuate price swings.

From New York Times

I always like to accentuate the positive.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emphasize
• highlight
• point up
• underline
• underscore