accentuate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "accentuate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used as a verb meaning to make something stand out more, either through emphasis or additional decoration. For example, "She accentuated her outfit with a bright red scarf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

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

Use "accentuate" when you want to draw attention to a specific detail or quality, making it stand out more clearly. For instance, "The lighting was designed to accentuate the room's best features."

Common error

Avoid confusing "accentuate" with "accent". "Accentuate" means to emphasize, whereas "accent" refers to a distinctive way of pronouncing a language or a particular emphasis in music or speech. Don't say "The music accentuated the beat" when you mean "The music accented the beat."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "accentuate" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object and is used to indicate the act of making something more noticeable or prominent. According to Ludwig AI, this word is grammatically correct and widely applicable in English writing. Many Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "accentuate" is a versatile transitive verb used to emphasize or enhance specific qualities or features. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing, indicating its suitability for various communication needs. While its register is generally neutral, it can adapt to more formal tones. To use "accentuate" effectively, remember to focus on enhancing existing aspects rather than creating new ones, and avoid confusing it with "accent". By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "accentuate" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emphasize

Focuses on giving particular importance or prominence to something.

highlight

Draws attention to something important or interesting, often visually.

underscore

Emphasizes something by drawing attention to it.

draw attention to

Focuses on making something noticeable.

bring out

Focuses on revealing or emphasizing a particular quality.

foreground

Emphasizes something by making it the most prominent feature.

spotlight

Focuses on giving something a great deal of publicity and attention.

stress

Indicates particular emphasis or importance.

feature

Give prominence to something.

play up

Emphasize something to gain an advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "accentuate" in a sentence?

You can use "accentuate" to show that something enhances or emphasizes something else. For example, "The right accessories can "enhance" your outfit" or "The speech "emphasized" the importance of education".

What words can I use instead of "accentuate"?

Instead of "accentuate", you can use words like "emphasize", "highlight", or "underscore" depending on the context.

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

No, it is not correct. The verb "accentuate" does not require the preposition "on". You should simply say "accentuate the positive".

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

"Accentuate" typically implies enhancing something that is already there, whereas "emphasize" simply means to give something more importance or prominence. For example, you might "accentuate" someone's beauty with makeup or "emphasize" a point in a discussion.