accentuate
UK: əkˈsɛntʃueɪt | US: əkˈsɛntʃueɪt
vt. to emphasize or make more noticeable
vt. to mark with an accent in speech or writing
accentuate = accent<stress> + uate<verb suffix>
- accent: From Latin accentus ("tone, emphasis"), combining ad- (toward) + cantus (song). Originally referred to musical pitch, later extended to speech emphasis.
- uate: A verb-forming suffix derived from Latin -uare, indicating action (e.g., evaluate, actuate).
Etymology Origin:
The word evolved from Latin accentus (musical/speech stress) through French accentuer. The suffix -uate was added in Early Modern English to form verbs from nouns, creating "accentuate" to mean "to add emphasis." The logic mirrors how musical notation marks stress, later applied to vocal and written prominence.
The lighting was designed to accentuate the painting’s vibrant colors.
She used bold fonts to accentuate key points in her presentation.
His speech accentuated the need for environmental reforms.
The dress’s belt accentuates the waistline.
The teacher accentuated the syllable by raising her voice.