Accentus

/əkˈsentəs/ noun

Definition

The original Latin term meaning 'accent' or 'intonation'; used in historical and linguistic contexts.

Etymology

From Latin, literally 'accentus' from 'ad-' (to) + 'canere' (to sing). Romans used this term to describe the musical quality and rhythm of spoken language.

Kelly Says

The Romans understood something we sometimes forget: that speech is essentially music with rules—'accentus' reminds us that language has melody and rhythm built into it.

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