accentuate

verb

ac·​cen·​tu·​ate ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt 

ak-

accentuated; accentuating

transitive verb

: to make (something) more prominent or noticeable : accent, emphasize

With her hair in tight curls that accentuate her pale beauty, she seems lit from within.

—Peter Travers

trying to accentuate the positive aspects of the program

also : intensify

accentuates the feeling of despair

accentuation

ik-ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwā-shən 

(ˌ)ak-

noun

Did you know?

When you accentuate something you put an “accent,” or emphasis, on it. There’s no need to stress out if you don’t know the word’s history, though; its journey into the English language was very straightforward. It comes from Latin accentus, meaning “accent” (which itself comes in part from cantus, meaning “song”), and since the early 18th century, its meanings haven’t changed much. The word was initially used as a synonym of the verb accent to mean “to pronounce with greater stress or force,” which is a small leap from today’s meaning of “to make something more noticeable; to emphasize.” One excellent way to remember not only how to pronounce accentuate but also its etymological connection to song is the classic (and helpfully titled) tune “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, which has been performed by such luminaries as Dinah Washington, Sam Cooke, and Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.

Synonyms

• accent
• emphasize
• feature
• foreground
• highlight
• illuminate
• play up
• point (up)
• press
• punctuate
• stress

Examples of accentuate in a Sentence

He likes to wear clothes that accentuate his muscular build.

let's accentuate the saxophones during this piece by having the sax players stand up

Recent Examples on the Web

Explore DeBary Hall during holiday evenings when candlelight will fill the 19th century mansion with a warm glow, accentuating its historic treasures and Christmas decorations. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024

As lively and exciting as Hong Kong is by day, after dark the city has an even greater vitality, accentuated by glittering lights, colorful neon, and an innovative food, drink, and entertainment scene. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

This foundation effortlessly evens out redness, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone without settling into creases or accentuating texture. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Nov. 2024

Here, freesia and rose accord are accentuated by jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli oil for a fresh, yet flirty take on modern femininity. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin accentuātus, past participle of accentuāre "to accent, stress," derivative of Latin accentus accent entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

accentuate

verb

ac·​cen·​tu·​ate ik-ˈsen-chə-ˌwāt 

ak-

accentuated; accentuating

1

: to pronounce or mark with an accent

2

: emphasize

the blue shirt accentuates your eyes

accentuation

ik-ˌsen-chə-ˈwā-shən 

(ˌ)ak-

noun