noun
Common
accordance
uh-KAW-duhns
Accordance (noun) means Agreement or conformity, especially with a rule or plan. Example: “Payments will be made in accordance with the terms of the contract.”
noun
1
Agreement or conformity, especially with a rule or plan.
"Payments will be made in accordance with the terms of the contract."
"The building was constructed in accordance with local safety codes."
"She acted in accordance with company policy."
How to use accordance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly used in the fixed phrase "in accordance with," meaning "following" or "matching" a rule.
Common pairings
in accordance with
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Word forms
- Plural
- accordances
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Payments will be made in _____ with the terms of the contract.
Etymology
The sense 'compliance' is first attested around 1300, and the sense 'agreement' in the early 14th century. The word is formed from accord plus -ance, and comes from Middle English accordaunce, from Old French acordance ("agreeing, reconciliation, harmony").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for accordance
See all rhymes for accordance →Frequently asked questions
What does “accordance” mean?
The word “accordance” means agreement or conformity, especially with a rule or plan. In plain terms, mostly used in the fixed phrase "in accordance with," meaning "following" or "matching" a rule.
How do you pronounce “accordance”?
“Accordance” is pronounced uh-KAW-duhns (/əˈkoɹ.dəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “accordance” in a sentence?
Here is “accordance” used in a sentence: “The building was constructed in accordance with local safety codes.”
What is another word for “accordance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accordance” include harmony, unison and coincidence.
What part of speech is “accordance”?
“Accordance” is a noun.
Is “accordance” a common word?
“Accordance” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'in accordance with' and 'according to'?
"In accordance with" means in compliance or conformity with a rule, plan, or law, as in "in accordance with company policy." "According to" usually means as stated by a source, as in "according to the report," so the two are not interchangeable.
Is 'accordance' used outside the phrase 'in accordance with'?
In modern English, "accordance" appears almost exclusively in the fixed phrase "in accordance with." It is rarely used on its own, and other words like "agreement" or "conformity" are preferred in those cases.
Is 'in accordance to' correct?
No. The correct preposition is "with," giving "in accordance with." "In accordance to" is a common error and should be avoided in careful writing.
What is the difference between accordance and agreement?
"Accordance" specifically means conformity with a rule, plan, or standard, and it is used mainly in the phrase "in accordance with." "Agreement" is broader, covering mutual consent between people as well as general consistency between things.
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