What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accentuate
Example
The bold colors accentuate the beauty of the painting. [accentuate: verb]
Example
The new haircut accentuated her cheekbones. [accentuated: past tense]
highlight
Example
The speaker highlighted the importance of education in his speech. [highlighted: past tense]
Example
I used a yellow marker to highlight the key points in the article. [highlight: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Highlight is more commonly used than accentuate in everyday language. Highlight is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while accentuate is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accentuate and highlight?
Accentuate is more formal than highlight and is often used in academic or professional contexts. Highlight is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
