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verb B1 Intermediate Common

accompany

uh-KUHM-puh-nee

Accompany (verb) means to go somewhere with someone, or to be present alongside them. Example: “A nurse will accompany the patient to the operating room.”

verb
1
To go somewhere with someone, or to be present alongside them.
"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 guitarist accompanied her while she sang."
"A full orchestra accompanied the choir for the final performance."

How to use accompany

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo go along with someone or something, or to provide musical support.

Common pairings
accompany someone to accompanied by music

Word forms

accompanied past tense, accompanies singular

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Test yourself on “accompany” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A nurse will _____ the patient to the operating room.

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").

Origin: Latin

escort chaperone attend go along with flank usher 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 escorts a lady

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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