From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishaccentuateac‧cen‧tu‧ate /əkˈsentʃueɪt/ verb [transitive] EMPHASIZEto make something more noticeable The photograph seemed to accentuate his large nose.► see thesaurus at emphasize —accentuation /əkˌsentʃuˈeɪʃən/ noun [countable, uncountable]→ See Verb table
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 