: an effort in speech to stress one syllable over adjacent syllables
also: the stress thus given a syllable
a word with the accent on the second syllable
2
: a distinctive manner of expression: such as
a
: a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region
spoke with a Russian accent
b
: an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words—usually used in plural
3
: rhythmically significant stress on the syllables of a verse usually at regular intervals
4
a
: a mark (such as ´, `, ˆ) used in writing or printing to indicate a specific sound value, stress, or pitch, to distinguish words otherwise identically spelled, or to indicate that an ordinarily mute vowel should be pronounced
Noun Regional accents are common in the U.S. She spoke with an American accent. The tourist had a foreign accent. He has a heavy southern accent. The word “before” has the accent on the last syllable. Put the accent on the first syllable of the word. The accents in the French word “émigré” show how the letter “e” should be pronounced. Verb the town's promotional literature accents its vital role in American history See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Of course, Tom Hanks’ questionable accent and physical transformation were the punchline of many a social media banter as well. Carson Burton, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 When the trailer for Blonde debuted last month, some viewers criticized her take on Monroe, particularly her accent and the traces of her Cuban dialect beneath Monroe's breathier pitch. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2022 The extra girly, simple design was the perfect accent to her leather and lace outfit from YSL. Hannah Kerns, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2022 Burr, who lives in LA, might be the present day’s preeminent exporter of the acute Boston accent and the locals’ propensity for reveling in our own absurd posturing. James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2022 For the movie version, Netflix relocated the action to an unnamed setting that looks like Australia—the home of its lead actor, Chris Hemsworth, who plays Abnesti with an American accent and a menacing smirk.The New Yorker, 17 June 2022 Deep green cabinetry grounds the room, while whimsical accent colors give it brightness. Nafeesah Allen, House Beautiful, 30 Aug. 2022 For a homespun accent, wrap string around the vases. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2022 This pick is designed with feminine ruffle sleeves and has a V-neckline that's closed together by a little gold accent pin. Sanah Faroke, Peoplemag, 27 Aug. 2022
Verb
What makes her gardens so beautiful and unique are the layers of trees, bushes and plants that range in size from tiny to huge, that come in soft to bright colors, that accent the swerving flowerbeds that surround her home. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2022 Custom lighting, also designed by Deniot, will accent the dining space in addition to white-oak flooring and modern designs that trail its ceilings and walls in gold. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2022 If your version of inclusivity requires a little more celebratory bling, Tiffany will give the chance to accent the bracelet’s band with diamonds—at an extra cost, of course. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2022 Fake the look of a storied space—or accent an already stately home—with a painting technique that lends a sense of history and texture to your walls. Alyssa Longobucco, House Beautiful, 12 Aug. 2022 Patterned tiles also accent risers on the white oak stairs leading to the home's private spaces. Sally Finder Weepie, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2022 Missing the perfect vintage rug to accent your home’s classic style? Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2022 Brick on the exterior wall was used to accent the wall with the slider, and the slider and the windows near it were stained a blue/green color to match the rest of the house. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2022 Copper planters are a wonderful way to accent your outdoor space with a hint of shine, and this large planter will add just the right gleaming touch. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 2 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, "modulation of the voice," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "modulation of the voice, prominence in pitch on a given syllable," going back to Old French, borrowed from Latin accentus (loan translation of Greek prosōidía), from ad-ad- + cantus "song," action noun derivative of canere "to sing" — more at chant entry 1, prosody
Note: The word occurs in Old English as accent in the sense "accent mark" in Byrhtferth's Enchiridion, but there is no continuity between this and later uses.
Verb
borrowed from Middle French accenter "to pronounce with greater stress," in part derivative of accentaccent entry 1, in part borrowed from Medieval Latin accentāre, variant of accentuāre — more at accentuate
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4