noun
Common
accord
uh-KAWD
Accord (noun) means a formal agreement, especially between countries or groups. Example: “The neighbouring towns signed an accord to share the cost of the new bridge.”
noun
1
A formal agreement, especially between countries or groups.
"The neighbouring towns signed an accord to share the cost of the new bridge."
"The two nations signed a peace accord after years of conflict."
"Union leaders reached an accord with management late last night."
verb
1
To be in agreement or match with something.
"Her actions do not accord with the values she says she holds."
"The results of the second test accord with those of the first."
"His story doesn't accord with what witnesses described."
How to use accord
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn agreement between parties, or the state of matching/agreeing.
Common mistake
The phrase "of one's own accord" means voluntarily, without being asked — not related to the car brand.
Common pairings
peace accord
reach an accord
of one's own accord
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Word forms
- Plural
- accords
- Third person singular
- accords
- Past tense
- accorded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighbouring towns signed an _____ to share the cost of the new bridge.
Etymology
From Old French acorder, ultimately from Latin roots meaning "to bring hearts together" (cor, "heart").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “accord” mean?
The word “accord” means a formal agreement, especially between countries or groups. In plain terms, an agreement between parties, or the state of matching/agreeing.
How do you pronounce “accord”?
“Accord” is pronounced uh-KAWD (/əˈkɔɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “accord” in a sentence?
Here is “accord” used in a sentence: “The two nations signed a peace accord after years of conflict.”
What part of speech is “accord”?
Depending on how it is used, “accord” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “accord” come from?
The word “accord” comes from Latin. From Old French acorder, ultimately from Latin roots meaning "to bring hearts together" (cor, "heart").
Is “accord” a common word?
“Accord” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “accord” have?
“Accord” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal agreement, especially between countries or groups.
What is the difference between "accord" and "treaty"?
An "accord" is a formal agreement, especially between countries or groups, similar to a treaty but often used for less formal or narrower-scope agreements. "Treaty" typically implies a more formal, legally binding document, while "accord" can describe broader diplomatic understandings as well as formal pacts.
What does "in accordance with" mean, and how does it relate to "accord"?
"In accordance with" is a phrase built from "accord" that means acting in agreement or conformity with a rule, law, or standard. It draws on the verb sense of "accord," meaning to be in agreement or match with something.
How is "accord" used as a verb versus a noun?
As a noun, "accord" refers to a formal agreement, such as a peace accord between nations. As a verb, "accord" means to be in agreement or match with something, as in "his account accords with the evidence."
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