'accent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'accentus', where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'cantus' meant 'song'.

'accentus' transformed into the Old French word 'accent', and eventually became the modern English word 'accent'.

Initially, it meant 'a song or tone', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'emphasis on a particular syllable or word'.