# accentuation

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accentuation
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

the act of making a sound, word, or note stronger or more important. In music, it means playing a note with more force to show it is the most important part of the phrase.

For teachers: the act of emphasizing or intensifying a sound, word, or musical note. In a musical context, it refers to the performance of a note with increased volume or force to highlight its rhythmic or melodic significance.

## Examples

- The drummer used accentuation to make the beat more exciting.
- The composer used rhythmic accentuation to create a sense of urgency in the final movement of the symphony.
- While the melody remains simple, the subtle accentuation of the off-beats provides a complex rhythmic foundation that drives the entire performance forward.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.