accentuate

/əkˈsentʃueɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /əkˈsentʃueɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt ak-/ (ame, mw)

accentuate — verb

  • accentuatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • accentuateshe / she / it
  • accentuatedpast simple
  • accentuating-ing form

1. To cause a particular quality, detail, or aspect of something to become more pro

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

To cause a particular quality, detail, or aspect of something to become more prominent or easier to notice, often by creating contrast or highlighting it.

例句

The red dress accentuated Elena's dark hair and brown eyes.

accentuate + physical feature (hair/eyes)

Wei's calm voice only accentuated the tense atmosphere in the meeting room.

abstract quality as object (atmosphere)

同義詞
  • emphasize

    More common and general; works for both stating importance and making something stand out.

  • highlight

    Suggests drawing specific attention to a detail within a larger whole; slightly less formal.

  • underscore

    More figurative, like underlining text; often used for abstract points or arguments.

反義詞
  • downplay

    To make something seem less important or noticeable than it is.

  • mask

    To hide or conceal a feature rather than making it stand out.

文法句型

accentuate + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with physical or visual features (colours, shapes, body parts) as the object, but also works with abstract qualities (differences, contrasts, tensions). More formal than 'emphasize'.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher accentuated the importance of doing homework.
✅The teacher emphasized the importance of doing homework.
💡'accentuate' is about making something visually or perceptually stand out, not about stating importance.