accent

Definition

  • noun: a way of pronouncing words that occurs among the people in a particular region or country
  • noun: an articulative effort giving prominence to one syllable over adjacent syllables
  • verb: to pronounce with accent
  • verb: to give special attention to (something)
  • usually + 'on'
  • synonyms: stress, tone, word

Examples

  • When you say “before,” you should 'accent' the second syllable. = You should 'accent' the word “before” on the second syllable.

  • The 'accents' in the French word “émigré” show how the letter “e” should be pronounced.

  • His speech 'accented' [='highlighted, emphasized'] positive parts of the plan.

Movie quotes

  • (..) And now you're going to Australia? Well, it's not definite yet. I'm still figuring it out. I've already been working on my accent. Wallaby. Didgeridoo. Hugh Jackman. So, um... Pretty excited. Great. Well, good luck. (..)
    2013 Despicable Me 2
  • (..) Solid. We are in the restaurant, you know. Hi. Takeout for Lucy? Sure, just a sec. Your accent is so exotic. Ah. Well, thank you very much. I know someone who can fix that for you. And you'll be (..)
    2013 Despicable Me 2