ENGLISH
REFERENCE

accents

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈæksɛnts// ac·cents

n. the unique way that people from a specific place or social group pronounce words. It is the sound of your voice rather than the specific words you choose.

n. a distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class. Often distinguished from 'dialect', which also encompasses grammar and vocabulary.


SIMPLE

She has a strong French accent when she speaks English.

CONTEXTUAL

After living in London for ten years, his original Scottish accent became much less noticeable to his colleagues.

COMPLEX

Actors often work with vocal coaches for months to master regional accents, ensuring their performance feels authentic to the specific setting of the play.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used with adjectives like 'strong', 'thick', 'slight', or 'broad'.

Pitfall

He speaks with a different dialect than me.He speaks with a different accent than me.Learners often use 'dialect' when they only mean the sound of the speech; 'accent' refers specifically to pronunciation.

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