Formal terms:
* Stress: This is the most common and neutral term. It refers to the relative prominence given to a syllable in pronunciation.
* Accent: While this term can refer to the general way a language is spoken, it can also refer to the emphasis on a particular syllable.
* Emphasis: This focuses more on the deliberate highlighting of a syllable for greater impact.
Informal terms:
* Beat: This term emphasizes the rhythmic aspect of the stress.
* Punch: This conveys the idea of a strong emphasis or accent.
* Highlight: This refers to the syllable that stands out from the rest.
Other options:
* Prominence: This word implies that a particular syllable stands out as more important.
* Intonation: This refers to the rise and fall of pitch in speech, which can also be used to indicate stress.
The best word to use will depend on the specific situation and the level of formality desired.