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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

  • (..) then you're hanging... ...in the Southie projects with your daddy, the fucking donkey... ...on the weekends. I got that right? Yup. You have different accents? You did, didn't you, you little fucking snake? - You were like different people. - You a psychiatrist? If I was, I'd ask you (..)
    2006 The Departed