accent

The way someone says words, often showing where they come from.

• She has a Scottish accent.
• I recognized his accent immediately.
• Do you find their accents difficult to understand?

How to use it: speak with an accent (He speaks English with a Spanish accent.)

Common phrases: strong accent, regional accent, with an accent

Extra force or a higher sound given to one part of a word or phrase.

• Put the accent on the first syllable.
• The accent changes when this word becomes a verb.
• Listen carefully to the accents in the phrase.

How to use it: accent on something (The accent falls on the second syllable.)

Similar words: stress, emphasis

Common phrases: word accent, accent on something

The special attention or importance given to something.

• The accent is on fresh food.
• Our courses place the accent on speaking skills.
• This design puts the accent on comfort.

How to use it: the accent is on something (At this school, the accent is on creativity.); put the accent on something (The new policy puts the accent on safety.)

Similar words: emphasis, focus

Common phrases: accent on something, put the accent

To make something stand out or seem more important.

• The lighting accents the painting.
• Dark lines accented the edges of the design.
• This scarf accents the color of her eyes.

How to use it: accent something with something (She accented the room with bright cushions.)

Similar words: emphasize, highlight, accentuate

Common phrases: accent a feature, accent something with something