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.
(..) with a little taste. Good nutrition's given you length of bone, but you're not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you? And that accent you've tried so desperately to shed: Pure West Virginia. What is your father, dear? Is he a coal miner? Does he stink of the lamp? (..)1991 The Silence of the Lambs