Accent
A stress or emphasis placed on a particular note or beat.
Category
articulation
Pronunciation
AK-sent
Origin
Latin (accentus, song added to)
Length
152 words · 1 min read
About Accent
An accent makes a note stand out from its neighbours, typically through increased volume, lengthened duration, or a sharper attack. Notated accents include the standard accent mark (>), marcato (^), sforzando (sfz), and tenuto (—).
More articulation terms
Pizzicato
View all articulationterms →Plucked with the finger rather than bowed.
PortamentoA smooth, vocal-style slide between two notes.
LegatoSmooth, connected
ArpeggioNotes of a chord played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously.
ArcoWith the bow; resume bowing after pizzicato.
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →