What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lilt
Example
The singer's lilt added a joyful quality to the song. [lilt: noun]
Example
She spoke with a lilt in her voice that made her sound happy. [lilt: verb]
accent
Example
Her British accent was noticeable when she spoke. [accent: noun]
Example
He accented the first syllable of the word to emphasize its importance. [accented: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accent is more commonly used than lilt in everyday language. Accent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lilt is less common and refers specifically to the musicality of speech or music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lilt and accent?
While accent can be used in both formal and informal contexts, lilt is typically associated with a more artistic or poetic tone and may be more appropriate in informal or creative settings.
