accentuate

Word family

ac·cen·tu·ate /əkˈsentʃueɪt/ verb [transitiveT]

EMPHASIZEto make something more noticeable 使突出；强调

The photograph seemed to accentuate his large nose.

照片似乎突出了他的大鼻子。

► see thesaurus at emphasize

—accentuation /əkˌsentʃuˈeɪʃən/ noun [countableC, uncountableU]

Examples from the Corpus

accentuate• Roasted Three-Seed Bread makes superior toast because then the roasted flavors are accentuated.• The separation between the entryway and the living room can be further accentuated by placing a screen near the doorway.• The rejection of the newly mobile toddler may be accentuated if another baby is born at this time.• In Britain, the choice between state and private schools accentuates the differences between rich and poor.• Her mouth was full, and a half-moon of light accentuated the lustrous curve of her lower lip.• But the very act of liberals accentuating the positive is what is likely to intrigue political scientists, historians and economists.• This will almost always accentuate the rigidity and sometimes is the only manner in which it can be demonstrated.• The director uses music to accentuate the rising dramatic tension.

Origin accentuate

(1700-1800) Medieval Latin past participle of accentuare, from Latin accentus; → ACCENT1

Chinese

Syllable

Corpus

TOEFL BNC: 9738 COCA: 10880

accentuate

To emphasize what you are saying: emphasize, stress, highlight...