Accent occurs on one of the last three syllables, and represents to the eye the movement of the voice in pronouncing words. Its practical value is to indicate the stress of the voice in reading.

Note 1.—Accent forms are three (acute ´, grave `, and circumflex ) and may be summarized thus:

Note 2.—In composition acute accent on the last syllable becomes grave.

Note 3.—Accent is often arbitrary. Rules indicate where accent may (not must) occur.