accentuate

[ak-sen-choo-eyt]

verb (used with object)

accentuated, accentuating 

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

Other Word Forms

• overaccentuate verb (used with object)
• reaccentuate verb (used with object)
• accentuation noun

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

Slot was in defiant mood in the aftermath of another disappointment, going through his full range of brave faces while accentuating the positive in the face of evidence to the contrary.

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Here, it’s employed to accentuate the small-town sunniness of the place along with its buzz and sweat, emphasizing Lee’s quixotic trust in the inevitability of truth.

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There’s no comedy equivalent of Jean Smart’s hilariously blunt mom in this story; instead, Ingelsby trades that tart energy for a transcendent joy accentuating the disheveled humanity of people who could be any of us.

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Mitchell chose, publicly at least, to accentuate those after the match.

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Entirely by accident, it also accentuates the pattern “The Biggest Loser” established for influencer culture to follow later.

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Related Words

• emphasize 
• highlight 
• point up 
• underline 
• underscore