1
Highlight a feature
Make a visual or physical quality stand out more clearly.
Example
Strategic lighting accentuates the texture of the stone walls.
accentuate
/əkˈsentʃueɪt/ · ak-SEN-choo-aytverb
To make a feature or difference more noticeable or prominent.
Use accentuate when contrast, framing, colour, wording, or conditions draw greater attention to an existing feature.
What accentuate Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Emphasise a difference
Make an existing contrast between groups or conditions more apparent.
Example
The scale of the map accentuates regional differences.
3
Intensify an impression
Increase the prominence of a mood, shape, or effect.
Example
The narrow frame accentuates the painting's vertical movement.
Use accentuate Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Strategic lighting accentuates the texture of the stone walls.
The dark border accentuated the brightness of the central figure.
Dry conditions further accentuated differences between the plant varieties.
Precision Matters
Accentuate overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
accentuate
vs.Often makes a visible or measurable feature stand out.
emphasise
Broadly gives special importance or attention.
accentuate
vs.Makes an existing feature more noticeable without necessarily distorting it.
exaggerate
Represents something as greater than it really is.
accentuate
vs.Increases prominence or contrast.
intensify
Increases strength, degree, or force.
accentuate
vs.Makes something more noticeable.
obscure
Makes something less clear—the contrast.
Test accentuate in Context
The lighting makes existing physical features more noticeable.
1
The gallery positioned a narrow beam above the relief so that shadows would ___ the depth and texture of its carved surface.