accent

/'æksənt/

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Explanation of the Word "Accent"

Accent (noun)

Usage Instructions

• Use "accent" when referring to how people speak, especially in relation to their geographical or cultural background.
• It can also describe the emphasis in speech, music, or even design.

Advanced Usage

• Verb Form: The verb form "to accent" means to emphasize a word or syllable when speaking or writing.

  • Example: "In Persian, you accent the last syllable of each word."

• Special Importance: When something is described as having an accent, it can mean it has special importance or significance.

  • Example: "The red light gave the central figure increased emphasis."

Word Variants

• Accentuation (noun): The act of emphasizing something.
• Accentuate (verb): To make something more noticeable or prominent.
• Accented (adjective): Describing something that has an accent or is emphasized.

Different Meanings

• Social Context: Sometimes "accent" can refer to the specific style of speaking that identifies a person's social background or education.

  • Example: "She had an upper-class accent that made her stand out."

• Musical Context: In music, an accent can refer to a strong or emphasized note.

  • Example: "The musician played the accented notes with more force."

Synonyms

• Dialect: A particular form of a language peculiar to a specific region or social group.
• Emphasis: Special importance or significance placed on something.
• Stress: The emphasis placed on a certain syllable or word.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Put the accent on: To give special importance to something.

  • Example: "In her speech, she put the accent on the importance of education."

• Speak with an accent: To speak in a way that shows where you are from or your cultural background.

Academic

Noun

1. a diacritical mark used to indicate stress or placed above a vowel to indicate a special pronunciation
2. the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
   • he put the stress on the wrong syllable
3. the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
   • the immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English
   • he has a strong German accent
   • it has been said that a language is a dialect with an army and navy
4. special importance or significance
   • the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis
   • the room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents
5. distinctive manner of oral expression
   • he couldn't suppress his contemptuous accent
   • she had a very clear speech pattern

Verb

1. put stress on; utter with an accent
   • In Farsi, you accent the last syllable of each word
2. to stress, single out as important
   • Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet

Synonyms

• accent mark
• stress
• emphasis
• dialect
• idiom
• speech pattern
• accentuate
• emphasize
• emphasise
• punctuate