primary accent

American  

noun

1. the principal or strongest stress of a word.

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primary accent British  

noun

1. linguistics the strongest accent in a word or breath group, as that on the first syllable of agriculture Compare secondary accent

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Example Sentences

Note.—In this index the generic and specific names have been divided into syllables, and the place of the primary accent has been indicated, with the single object of securing a uniform pronunciation in accordance with the established rules of English orthoepy.

From Project Gutenberg

In compound measures the secondary accent is marked by a beat almost as strong as that given the primary accent.

From Project Gutenberg

The cadence-chord is the tonic harmony of C minor; upon the primary accent of the 4th measure; it is considerably longer than any other tone in the phrase; and the keynote c is placed both at the top and at the bottom of the harmonic body.

From Project Gutenberg

In No. 1 the cadence is perfect, for it is the tonic chord of G major, keynote g at top and bottom, and on the primary accent of the fourth measure; but the uninterrupted continuation of the movement of 16ths, in the right hand, shortens the uppermost keynote to a single 16th-note, and would entirely conceal the cadence, were it not for the distinct evidence of repose in the lower part.

From Project Gutenberg

The vowels preceding or following the one on which the primary accent falls, sometimes called obscure vowels, are so slurringly pronounced that even a pedantic precision will hardly make it possible to indicate clearly which vowel is used.

From Project Gutenberg