accent
UK[ˈæks(ə)nt]US[ˈækˌsɛnt]
n
The way in which people in a particular area, country, or social group pronounce words.
n
A special emphasis given to a particular syllable in a word, or to a particular note in a piece of music.
n
A mark on a letter to show how it should be pronounced.
v
To emphasize a particular feature or idea.
Morpheme Breakdown
ac
cent
ac
to, toward.
cent
song, chant.
Etymology
The word "accent" entered English in the late 14th century from Middle French accent, which itself derived from Latin accentus, meaning "song added to speech." This Latin term is a loan translation of the Greek word prosōidia (from which "prosody" comes). It was formed from the prefix ad- ("to") and cantus ("song"), literally meaning "a singing to" or "a tone added." The core logic evolved from the literal idea of a musical tone or chant applied to speech, to the more abstract modern meanings concerning vocal emphasis, distinctive pronunciation, and diacritical marks that guide it.
Analysis
Structure: ac + cent
- ac: Latin origin (ad-), meaning "to, toward." A prefix indicating direction or addition.
- cent: Latin origin (cantus), meaning "song, chant." A root related to singing or tone.
Examples
She speaks with a slight southern accent.
In the word "record," the accent is on the first syllable when it is a noun.
The decor uses bright colors to accent the architectural features.