accompany
uh-KUHM-puh-nee
Accompany (verb) means to go somewhere with someone, or to be present alongside them. Example: “I'll accompany you to the station if you don't want to walk alone.”
verb
1
To go somewhere with someone, or to be present alongside them.
"I'll accompany you to the station if you don't want to walk alone."
"A nurse will accompany the patient to the operating room."
"Heavy rain accompanied the storm all through the night."
2
To play music that supports a singer or soloist.
"The pianist will accompany the young soloist during the school concert."
"The guitarist accompanied her while she sang."
"A full orchestra accompanied the choir for the final performance."
How to use accompany
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go along with someone or something, or to provide musical support.
Common pairings
accompany someone to
accompanied by music
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- accompanies
- Past tense
- accompanied
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I'll _____ you to the station if you don't want to walk alone.
Etymology
From Old French acompagner, "to associate with," built from compaing, "companion" — ultimately from Latin words meaning "one who shares bread" (com- "together" + panis "bread").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for accompany
See all rhymes for accompany →Frequently asked questions
What does “accompany” mean?
The word “accompany” means to go somewhere with someone, or to be present alongside them. In plain terms, to go along with someone or something, or to provide musical support.
How do you pronounce “accompany”?
“Accompany” is pronounced uh-KUHM-puh-nee (/əˈkʌm.pə.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “accompany” in a sentence?
Here is “accompany” used in a sentence: “A nurse will accompany the patient to the operating room.”
What is another word for “accompany”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accompany” include We attend those whom we wait upon, follow. The word conveys an idea of subordination., A gentleman accompanies a friend to some public place, he attends and escorts a lady.
What part of speech is “accompany”?
“Accompany” is a verb.
Where does the word “accompany” come from?
The word “accompany” comes from Latin. From Old French acompagner, "to associate with," built from compaing, "companion" — ultimately from Latin words meaning "one who shares bread" (com- "together" + panis "bread").
Is “accompany” a common word?
“Accompany” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “accompany” have?
“Accompany” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to go somewhere with someone, or to be present alongside them.
What is the difference between "accompany" and "escort"?
"Accompany" simply means to go somewhere with someone or be present alongside them, without implying a specific purpose. "Escort" often adds a sense of protection, guidance, or formality to that presence, such as escorting a guest to their seat.
What does "accompany" mean in a musical context?
In music, "accompany" means to play an instrument that supports a singer or soloist, providing a musical backdrop rather than the lead part. A pianist accompanying a vocalist, for example, plays supporting harmony and rhythm rather than the main melody.
Can "accompany" be used for things as well as people?
Yes, "accompany" can describe something being present along with something else, not just people traveling together, such as "a side salad accompanies the main course." This extends the core sense of going along with or being present alongside something.
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