Definition

1. Noun:

   • A diacritical mark: A written mark placed above a letter, especially a vowel, to indicate a specific pronunciation or stress.
   • Relative prominence: The special emphasis or stress given to a particular syllable in a word or a note in music.
   • Distinctive pronunciation: A particular way of pronouncing words that is associated with a specific country, region, or social group.
   • Special importance or focus: A distinctive feature or detail that gives emphasis or contrast.
   • Tone or manner of speaking: A particular tone, inflection, or quality in someone's voice that conveys feeling or meaning.

2. Verb:

   • To pronounce with stress: To emphasize a particular syllable when speaking.
   • To emphasize: To give special importance, prominence, or attention to something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • In the word "café," the acute accent is over the 'e'.
  • The accent in the word "record" changes from the first syllable (noun) to the second (verb).
  • She has a lovely Southern accent.
  • The room was neutral, with blue cushions as an accent.
  • He spoke with a sad accent in his voice.

• Verb:

  • Remember to accent the first syllable in "presentation."
  • The report accents the need for immediate action.

Advanced Usage

• "To speak with an accent": To have a recognizable pattern of pronunciation influenced by one's native language or region.

  • Even after years abroad, he still speaks English with a slight accent.

• "A word/accent of caution": A remark or tone that advises carefulness or warns of potential problems.

  • I must add a word of accent regarding the risks involved.

Variants and Related Words

• Accented (adj): Spoken with or characterized by an accent; having a diacritical mark.

  • He used heavily accented English.
  • The letter 'é' is an accented 'e'.

• Accentuate (verb): To make more noticeable or prominent; to emphasize.

  • The lighting accentuated the texture of the wall.

Synonyms

• Noun: Stress, emphasis, pronunciation, intonation, inflection, dialect, highlight.
• Verb: Emphasize, stress, highlight, underscore.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Accent" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal meaning is typically direct.)

Related Idioms

• "In accents of...": In a tone or manner expressing a particular emotion.
  • She pleaded with him in accents of despair.

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