Accent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈak-ˌsent/ ac·cent

Meaning & Definition of Accent

Accent (noun)

  1. an effort in speech to stress one syllable over adjacent syllables; also, the stress thus given a syllable
  2. a distinctive manner of expression
  3. a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region

Accent (verb)

  1. to give special attention or prominence to (something), to make (something) more emphatic, noticeable, or distinct
  2. to pronounce (part of a word) with greater stress or force, stress
  3. to mark with a written or printed accent

Accent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a special notice or importance given to something

    "although we dutifully carried binoculars on our bird walk, the accent was on recognizing avifauna by their song"

    similar: accentuation, emphasis, stress, underscoring, weight
    related: attention, concentration, focus, spotlight, consequence, import, moment, note, significance, value, worth, precedence, primacy, priority, top billing, consideration, heed, regard
    opposite: de-emphasis
    near: minimization, underemphasis, disregard, indifference

Accent (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

    "the town's promotional literature accents its vital role in American history"

    similar: accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, punctuate, stress, bear down on, make much of
    related: focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize, overplay
    opposite: de-emphasize, play down
    near: tone (down), underemphasize, understate, belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Accent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Accent:

accentuation, emphasis, stress, underscoring, weight, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, punctuate, bear down on, make much of

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Accent

Words with the opposite meaning of Accent:

de-emphasis, de-emphasize, play down

Related Words for Accent

attention, concentration, focus, spotlight, consequence, import, moment, note, significance, value, worth, precedence, primacy, priority, top billing, consideration, heed, regard, identify, pinpoint, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize, overplay

Near Antonyms of Accent

minimization, underemphasis, disregard, indifference, tone (down), underemphasize, understate, belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

Word Forms of Accent

Inflections: accented, accenting, accents

Derived words: accentless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Accent

Middle English, "modulation of the voice," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "modulation of the voice, prominence in pitch on a given syllable," going back to Old French, borrowed from Latin accentus (loan translation of Greek prosōidía), from ad- ad- + cantus "song," action noun derivative of canere "to sing" chant:1, prosody

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Accent

Words & Phrases Containing Accent

accent mark, tonic accent

Frequently Asked Questions about Accent

What does "Accent" mean?

"Accent" means an effort in speech to stress one syllable over adjacent syllables; also, the stress thus given a syllable. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: an effort in speech to stress one syllable over adjacent syllables; also, the stress thus given a syllable. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Accent"?

Other words for "Accent" include accentuation, emphasis, stress, underscoring, weight, accentuate, emphasize and feature. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Accent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Accent"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Accent". Common alternatives include accentuation, emphasis, stress, underscoring, weight, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground and highlight.

What is the opposite of "Accent"?

Antonyms of "Accent" include de-emphasis, de-emphasize and play down. Near antonyms include minimization, underemphasis, disregard and indifference.

How do you use "Accent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Accent" in a sentence: "although we dutifully carried binoculars on our bird walk, the accent was on recognizing avifauna by their song"; "the town's promotional literature accents its vital role in American history".

Is "Accent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Accent" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Accent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Accent" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Accent"?

"Accent" is pronounced /ˈak-ˌsent/ and divided into syllables as ac·cent.