Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 19, 2026 is "accentuate." To accentuate something means to make it more noticeable. An example provided is wearing clothes that accentuate a muscular build. This verb can be seen in a quote about a mother who created elaborate costumes. These costumes were designed to accentuate the child's features, such as a tail. The word "accentuate" is derived from the Latin word "accentus," meaning "accent." This Latin term is partly from "cantus," meaning "song." Since the early 18th century, the meaning of "accentuate" has remained largely consistent. Initially, it was used similarly to the verb "accent," meaning to pronounce something with more stress or force. This evolved into the current meaning of emphasizing or making something more noticeable. The song "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" serves as a helpful reminder of both the pronunciation and the etymological connection to song.