accent
accent Lexical Profile
accent Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class.
"Even after living in London for a decade, she still spoke English with a noticeable Scottish accent."
A greater prominence or vocal force given to a particular syllable of a word, or to a particular beat or note in music and poetry.
"In the English noun 'record', the primary accent falls on the first syllable."
A mark or character placed above, below, or next to a letter in writing to indicate a specific pronunciation, vowel quality, or syllabic stress.
"In French, an acute accent over the letter 'e' changes its pronunciation."
A special attention, importance, or decorative feature that gives a distinctive visual or thematic emphasis to something.
"The interior designer used bright yellow throw pillows as an accent against the gray sofa."
• verb
To emphasize a particular feature, quality, or detail so that it becomes more noticeable or prominent.
"The chef used fresh lemon zest to accent the delicate flavor of the grilled fish."
To pronounce a word or syllable with vocal stress, or to mark a written letter with a diacritical symbol.
"In standard Spanish, words ending in a vowel are normally accented on the second-to-last syllable."
Word Nuance & Usage
In linguistics, an 'accent' refers specifically to differences in pronunciation, whereas a 'dialect' encompasses distinct vocabulary and grammar as well.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French accent or directly from Latin accentus ('song added to speech, tone, intonation'), from ad- ('to') + cantus ('a singing'), a calque of Ancient Greek prosōidia.