Accentuate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Accentuate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize or highlight something, making it more noticeable or prominent. Example: "To improve the presentation, we should accentuate the key points with bold text and visuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a way, all his works accentuate a feeling of suspended time, a perpetual moment between one breath and another.

The Guardian - Arts

Unlike the American mid-career survey Muñoz was still working on while Double Bind was at Tate Modern (and which opened in Washington two weeks after 9/11), or the touring retrospective that came to London in 2008, the HangarBicocca show Double Bind & Around presents an ensemble of works, completed between 1986 and the artist's death, which accentuate this theatrical dynamic.

The Guardian - Arts

But the solitary nature of much comedy seems to accentuate it.

The Guardian

"For two or three years now, our sport has attracted a great deal of attention," club manager Zhang acknowledges, trying to accentuate the positive.

The Guardian

Their depletion will accentuate this, with springs, which could have provided a trickle of run-off during the extended dry seasons, increasingly failing.Pump and be damnedSome excuse this resolute destruction by saying that India's farmers do not understand groundwater.

The Economist

It will accentuate India's problems, with the monsoon rains, which supply over 50% of much of India's annual precipitation in just 15 days, predicted to become even more contracted and unpredictable.

The Economist

In an age of mobile devices, streaming video and infinite choice, it is easy to see the appeal of a technology, however expensive, that promises to accentuate the differences between immersive, experiential cinema and watching a film on a tablet.

The Economist

But is it possible to accentuate the positive, and reduce the inevitable negative, effect of sanctions?

The Economist

Among those in the know, the plum, chocolate and spice flavours of Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Pinot Noirs and Sangioveses best accentuate the rich flavours of red meats.

The Economist

GREY circles around bloodshot eyes accentuate the deep grooves of a face that has seen decades of labour in the sun.

The Economist

In fact, it was only 655m, compared with almost 705m men and boys 50m surplus husbands.Fertility rates then accentuate this distortion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accentuate", consider what specific quality or aspect you want to emphasize. Choosing precise language will make your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "accentuate" too frequently in your writing. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "emphasize" or "highlight".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "accentuate" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being emphasized or made more noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this verb in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "Accentuate" is a versatile transitive verb that means to emphasize, highlight, or make something more noticeable. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this word is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business and Scientific contexts. Its primary function is to draw attention to specific qualities or features. To avoid repetition, consider synonyms like "emphasize", "highlight", or "underscore".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Emphasize

This term directly replaces "Accentuate" to focus attention on something important.

Highlight

This alternative focuses on bringing attention to a specific detail or aspect.

Underscore

This term suggests drawing a line beneath something to give it importance, similar to emphasizing.

Stress

Implies placing importance or pressure on a particular element.

Accent

Similar to accentuate, but can also refer to a style or manner that makes something noticeable.

Intensify

Suggests making something stronger or more pronounced.

Draw attention to

This phrase shifts the focus to the act of making something noticeable.

Bring out

This term suggests revealing or making something more apparent.

Spotlight

This alternative implies focusing light or attention on something.

Call attention to

Similar to draw attention to, but more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "accentuate" in a sentence?

You can use "accentuate" to mean to emphasize or highlight something. For example, "The lighting in the gallery was designed to accentuate the artwork" or "Proper nutrition will accentuate the benefits of exercise."

What are some alternatives to using "accentuate"?

Alternatives to "accentuate" include "emphasize", "highlight", "underscore", and "stress". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "accentuate on" instead of "accentuate"?

No, the correct usage is simply "accentuate" something. The preposition "on" is not needed. For example, "The design will accentuate the building's height" is correct.

What is the difference between "accentuate" and "emphasize"?

"Accentuate" and "emphasize" are often used interchangeably, but "accentuate" implies making something more noticeable, while "emphasize" suggests giving something more importance or force.