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Definition of accentuate

accentuate

/ækˈsɛn.tʃu.eɪt/
ac · cen · tu · ate
Adjective:accentuated
•
Past Simple:accentuated
•
Past Participle:accentuated
•
Present Participle:accentuating
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accentuate Lexical Profile

accentuate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make more noticeable, prominent, or distinct; to emphasize or draw special attention to.

Example

"The dark wooden frames accentuate the vibrant colors of the botanical illustrations."

2

To pronounce a word or syllable with vocal stress or mark it with a written accent.

Example

"In Spanish, speakers typically accentuate the penultimate syllable of words ending in a vowel."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for accentuate

• Nearby Words

accented
accentless
accentor
accentuate
accentuation
accept
acceptability

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from Medieval Latin accentuatus, past participle of accentuare ('to accent'), from Latin accentus ('tone, signal, or intensity of voice'), literally 'song added to speech' (from ad- 'to' + cantus 'a singing').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Accentuate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/accentuate
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