accents

Noun

accent (countable and uncountable, plural accents)

1. 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.
   • In the word "careful", the accent is placed on the first syllable.

   Synonyms:

   stress

2. (figuratively) Emphasis or importance in general.
   • At this hotel, the accent is on luxury.
3. A mark used in writing, in order to indicate the place of the spoken stress.
4. Any mark used in writing over letters, either in order to indicate the place of the spoken stress, or to indicate the nature or quality of the vowel marked, or to distinguish homophones.
   • The name Cézanne is written with an acute accent.
5. Modulation of the voice in speaking; the manner of speaking or pronouncing; a peculiar or characteristic modification of the voice, expressing emotion; tone.
   • I know, sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you in a plain accent was a plain knave; which for my part I will not be, though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to 't.c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
6. The distinctive manner of pronouncing a language associated with a particular region, social group, etc., whether of a native speaker or a foreign speaker; the phonetic and phonological aspects of a dialect.
   • a foreign accent

See all 22 meanings of accent