accent accent /ˈækˌsɛnt/

noun

1. () Distinctive manner of oral expression  ( speech pattern , accent )
   distinctive manner of oral expression
    He couldn't suppress his contemptuous accent
   he couldn't suppress his contemptuous accent
    She had a very clear speech pattern
   she had a very clear speech pattern
   
2. () Special importance or significance  ( accent , emphasis )
   special importance or significance
    The red light gave the central figure increased emphasis
   the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis
    The room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents
   the room was decorated in shades of grey with distinctive red accents
   
3. (language) a diacritical mark used to indicate stress or placed above a vowel to indicate a special pronunciation  ( accent , accent mark )
   (language) a diacritical mark used to indicate stress or placed above a vowel to indicate a special pronunciation
   
4. The relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)  ( accent , emphasis , stress )
   the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
    He put the stress on the wrong syllable
   he put the stress on the wrong syllable
   
5. The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people  ( accent , idiom , dialect )
   the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
    The immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English
   the immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English
    He has a strong German accent
   he has a strong German accent
    It has been said that a language is a dialect with an army and navy
   it has been said that a language is a dialect with an army and navy
   

verb

1. Put stress on; utter with an accent  ( accent , accentuate , stress )
   put stress on; utter with an accent
    In Farsi, you accent the last syllable of each word
   In Farsi, you accent the last syllable of each word
   
2. To stress, single out as important  ( accent , emphasise , punctuate , accentuate , emphasize , stress )
   to stress, single out as important
    Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
   Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet