accent

Definition

A higher-pitched or stronger (louder or longer) articulation of a particular syllable of a word or phrase in order to distinguish it from the others or to emphasize it.

Etymology

From Middle English accent, from Medieval Latin accentus and Old French accent, acent, both from Latin accentus, past participle of accinō (“sing to, sing along”). The word accent had been borrowed into Old English already, but was lost and reborrowed in Middle English.

Example Sentences

• "In the word "careful", the accent is placed on the first syllable."
• "At this hotel, the accent is on luxury."
• "The name Cézanne is written with an acute accent."

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