Word of the Day, July 23: ‘Accentuate’

Word of the Day: ACCENTUATE
Pronunciation: UK/əkˈsen.tʃu.eɪt/ or US/əkˈsen.tʃu.eɪt/

Meaning:

‘Accentuate’ means to make something more noticeable or prominent or to emphasize it.

Examples for daily usage:

• The lighting accentuated the beauty of the ancient temple.
• Her speech accentuated the importance of environmental conservation.

Origin and history:

"Accentuate" traces back to the Medieval Latin word "accentuatus" (meaning "to accent or pronounce with an accent"). This derives from the Latin accentus, a term combining ad ("to") and cantus ("a singing" or "song"), which poetically meant "a song added to speech."

The word formally entered the English language in the early 1719, initially used in linguistics to describe giving spoken emphasis to a syllable, before evolving into its modern definition of emphasising or drawing attention to any feature or trait.

Cultural significance and modern usage:

Originally, "accentuate" was used much like the verb accent, referring to the act of pronouncing a word with extra stress or emphasis.

Over time, its meaning broadened to describe making anything more noticeable or prominent, not just in speech, but also in writing, art, design, and everyday communication. A fun connection to the word's musical roots can be found in the classic song Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. Popularised by legendary artists including Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Dinah Washington, and Sam Cooke, the song reflects the word's etymological link to rhythm, emphasis, and song.

Examples from literature:

1. His head turned slightly would accentuate his strong jawline. - Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
2. Mrs. Charlotte Phelan’s Guide to Husband-Hunting, Rule Number One: a pretty, petite girl should accentuate herself with makeup and good posture. - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
3. As if to accentuate their cackles, the donkey let out two lungs full of vociferous braying. - Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe García McCall
4. What I found was a black man with a warm disposition and a booming voice, who bristled with energy and was constantly in motion, his hands swooping like birds in flight to accentuate his points.- The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore

Interesting facts:

• The root "cantus" means "song," linking the word to singing and musical rhythm.
• People naturally accentuate memories connected with strong emotions, making them easier to recall.
• Professional photographers often use light and shadow to accentuate depth and texture.

Synonyms:

• Emphasize
• Highlight
• Stress
• Underline

Antonyms:

• Minimize
• Downplay
• Conceal
• Hide
• Suppress

Read more word of the day here