accent
UK: ˈæksənt | US: ˈæk.sɛnt
n. 1. A distinctive way of pronouncing a language, often associated with a particular region or social group.
n. 2. Emphasis or stress placed on a syllable or word in speech.
n. 3. A mark (e.g., ´, `) used to indicate stress or vowel quality in writing.
vt. 1. To emphasize or highlight something.
accent = ac<to> + cent<sing>
- ac (Latin ad-, meaning "to" or "toward")
- cent (Latin cantus, meaning "sing" or "song")
Etymology Origin:
The word "accent" traces back to Latin accentus, combining ad- (intensifying prefix) and cantus (song). Originally, it referred to the musical pitch or tone in speech, later evolving to denote stress patterns in pronunciation. The modern sense of "regional pronunciation" emerged in the 16th century, reflecting how speech melodies vary across cultures.
Her French accent charmed everyone at the party.
Place the accent on the first syllable of "record" when it’s a noun.
The word "café" has an acute accent over the e.
He accented his speech with dramatic pauses.
The artist accented the painting with bold red strokes.