Definition

The act of emphasizing or highlighting something, often by changing the way it is spoken or presented.

Example

The accentuation of certain words can change the meaning of a sentence.

Conversation

I was listening to that song, and I loved the accentuation in the chorus.

Yeah, it really makes the melody pop!

Exactly! I think the way they use accentuation adds so much emotion.

Definitely, it draws you in and makes you feel the lyrics.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Accentuation → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "centus" (meaning to sing or to sound) combined with the suffix "-ation" (indicating a process or action). The word refers to the process of emphasizing or giving prominence to a particular sound or syllable in speech.

Memory Tip

Think of 'singing' or 'sounding' ('centus') being emphasized or highlighted ('ad-') — that's what accentuation means.

Visually Confused Words