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

After Edward elects to undergo an experimental medical treatment, he begins to transform — his old face literally crumbles off — and the theme accentuates his melancholy and metamorphosis with dark beauty and sludgy textures.

From Los Angeles Times

She was a few years younger than Queen Victoria, and looked rather like her, in dress and bearing, and took to accentuating the resemblance.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s a natural beauty, with her long, sandy blond hair partially tied back accentuating her soulful hazel eyes and infectious smile.

From Los Angeles Times

It's only right that "Beetlejuice" accentuates the fleetingness of teenage intensity through a tragic opera.

From Salon

The challenges Biden faced, which were accentuated by the debate performance, threatened to interrupt that streak.

From Salon

Related Words

• emphasize
• highlight
• point up
• underline
• underscore