Accentuation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt/ ac·cen·tu·ate

Meaning & Definition of Accentuation

Accentuation (verb)

  1. to make (something) more prominent or noticeable, accent, emphasize; also, intensify

Accentuation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a special notice or importance given to something

    "the school's accentuation on math skills has resulted in its students being among the highest math scorers in the state"

    similar: accent, 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

Related Entry: Accentuate (verb)

Accentuate is a different word from Accentuation. The synonyms below are for accentuate, not for accentuation.

  1. to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

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

    similar: accent, 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

  2. to make markedly greater in measure or degree

    "the foul weather merely accentuated my feelings of depression"

    similar: amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen
    related: broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen, accelerate, hasten, quicken, emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress, augment, enforce, reinforce, restrengthen, supplement, maximize, enliven, jazz (up), aggravate, exacerbate
    opposite: abate, moderate
    near: decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken, dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane, alleviate, ease, lighten

  3. to make more apparent

    "unfortunately, the new bedspread just accentuates the dinginess of the curtains behind the bed"

    similar: bring out, emphasize, italicize, stress, underline, underscore
    related: amplify, beef (up), boost, reinforce, strengthen, augment, deepen, enhance, enlarge, heighten, magnify, maximize, supplement, enliven, jazz (up)
    opposite: de-emphasize
    near: decrease, diminish, lessen, minimize, reduce, subdue, tone (down), understate, weaken

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Accentuation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Accentuation:

accent, emphasis, stress, underscoring, weight

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Accentuation

Words with the opposite meaning of Accentuation:

de-emphasis

Related Words for Accentuation

attention, concentration, focus, spotlight, consequence, import, moment, note, significance, value, worth, precedence, primacy, priority, top billing, consideration, heed, regard

Near Antonyms of Accentuation

minimization, underemphasis, disregard, indifference

Word Forms of Accentuation

Inflections: accentuated, accentuating

Derived words: accentuation (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Accentuation

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

First known use: circa 1719

Frequently Asked Questions about Accentuation

What does "Accentuation" mean?

"Accentuation" means to make (something) more prominent or noticeable, accent, emphasize; also, intensify. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to make (something) more prominent or noticeable, accent, emphasize; also, intensify.

What is another word for "Accentuation"?

Other words for "Accentuation" include accent, emphasis, stress, underscoring and weight. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Accentuation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Accentuation"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Accentuation". Common alternatives include accent, emphasis, stress, underscoring and weight.

What is the opposite of "Accentuation"?

Antonyms of "Accentuation" include de-emphasis. Near antonyms include minimization, underemphasis, disregard and indifference.

How do you use "Accentuation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Accentuation" in a sentence: "the school's accentuation on math skills has resulted in its students being among the highest math scorers in the state".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Accentuation"?

"Accentuation" is pronounced /ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt/ and divided into syllables as ac·cen·tu·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Accentuation"?

"Accentuation" comes from borrowed from Medieval Latin accentuātus, past participle of accentuāre "to accent, stress," derivative of Latin accentus accent:1. First known use: circa 1719.