accentuate Definition
- 1to emphasize or make something more noticeable
- 2to mark or pronounce with an accent
Using accentuate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "accentuate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The dress accentuates her curves.
Example
The lighting accentuated the dramatic effect of the scene.
Example
He has a strong accent when he speaks English.
Example
She accentuates the first syllable of her name.
accentuate Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for accentuate
Antonyms for accentuate
- downplay
- understate
- de-emphasize
Phrases with accentuate
to focus on the good aspects of a situation rather than the bad
Example
Let's try to accentuate the positive and not dwell on the negative.
to focus on the bad aspects of a situation rather than the good
Example
Some people tend to accentuate the negative and overlook the positive.
to point out something that is already clear or apparent
Example
It's not necessary to accentuate the obvious; we all know what happened.
Origins of accentuate
from Medieval Latin 'accentuatus', past participle of 'accentuare', from Latin 'accentus', meaning 'accent'
Summary: accentuate in Brief
'Accentuate' [ækˈsen.tʃu.eɪt] means to emphasize or make something more noticeable, as in 'The dress accentuates her curves.' It can also mean to mark or pronounce with an accent, such as 'He has a strong accent when he speaks English.' Phrases like 'accentuate the positive' and 'accentuate the negative' are used to focus on either the good or bad aspects of a situation, respectively.
