In music, which term represents emphasis, stress, or stronger attack on a note or chord?

• A. Adagio
• B. Allargando
• C. a tempo
• D. accent

Answer: (D)

Emphasis on a note or chord is achieved with the accent. An accent tells you to attack that note more forcefully or with a stronger attack than the surrounding notes, giving it a distinctive, pointed moment in the line. In practice, this marks a moment of emphasis within the rhythm and texture, sometimes sounding louder or more stressed even within the same dynamic level.

The other terms refer to tempo or broadening rather than emphasis: adagio means slow tempo; allargando indicates a broadening or slowing and expanding in tempo or character; a tempo means returning to the original tempo after a deviation. So the word that best describes a stronger attack on a note is accent.