accentuate

[ækˈsen.tʃu.eɪt]

accentuate Definition

• 1. to emphasize or make something more noticeable
• 2. to 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

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• underline
• underscore

Antonyms for accentuate

• downplay
• understate
• de-emphasize

Phrases with accentuate

• accentuate the positive

  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.

• accentuate 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.

• accentuate the obvious

  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'

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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.