What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accentuate
Example
The artist used bold colors to accentuate the curves of the sculpture. [accentuate: verb]
Example
The speaker used hand gestures to accentuate her points during the presentation. [accentuating: gerund or present participle]
emphasize
Example
The teacher emphasized the importance of studying for the exam. [emphasize: verb]
Example
The manager used bold font to emphasize the key points in the report. [emphasizing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emphasize is more commonly used than accentuate in everyday language. Emphasize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while accentuate is less common and is often used in artistic or design contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accentuate and emphasize?
While accentuate is typically associated with a more formal or artistic tone, emphasize is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
