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REFERENCE

accent

n. · v.
US //ˈækˌsɛnt// ac·cent
  1. 1 regional pronunciation (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the unique way that people from a specific country or area pronounce words.

    the distinctive manner of pronunciation characteristic of a particular locality, nation, or social class.

    Example

    Even though he lived in London for years, he still has a strong Scottish accent.

    Example

    The actor spent months working with a dialect coach to perfect a convincing West Texas accent for his upcoming role.
    Pitfall
    She has a very strong slang.
    She has a very strong accent.

    Slang refers to the specific words people use; accent refers only to the way they sound when they speak.

  2. 2 written mark (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a small mark placed over a letter to show how to pronounce it.

    a diacritical mark used in writing to indicate stress, vowel quality, or to distinguish between homophones.

    Example

    In the word 'café', there is an accent over the letter 'e'.

    Example

    The student frequently forgot to include the appropriate accents when writing in French, which occasionally altered the meaning of the verbs.
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  1. 3 emphasis (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    special importance or focus given to something.

    the relative prominence or emphasis given to a particular syllable, word, or element of a design.

    Example

    The accent of the new menu is on fresh, local seafood.

    Example

    In this interior design, the accent is on natural light and minimalist furniture to create a sense of open space.
  2. 4 musical stress (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    a stronger or louder note in a piece of music.

    a distinct emphasis placed on a particular note or beat, often indicated by a specific musical symbol.

    Example

    The drummer played a heavy accent on the first beat of every bar.

    Example

    The conductor requested a sharper accent on the staccato passages to highlight the rhythmic complexity of the movement.
  3. 5 to highlight (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make something more noticeable or to emphasize a sound.

    to give prominence to a feature or to pronounce a syllable with stress.

    Example

    You should use a highlighter to accent the most important parts of the text.

    Example

    The chef chose to accent the dish with a hint of lemon zest to balance the richness of the cream sauce.
Etymology 1

From Middle English accent, from Medieval Latin accentus and Old French accent, acent, both from Latin accentus, past participle of accinō (“sing to, sing along”). The word accent had been borrowed into Old English already, but was lost and reborrowed in Middle English.

Etymology 2

From Middle French accenter, from Old French accenter, from Latin accentō, from accentus.

Word family

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