accompaniment

[uh-kuhm-puh-ni-muhnt, uh-kuhmp-ni-]

noun

1. something incidental or added for ornament, symmetry, etc.

2. Music.,  a part in a composition designed to serve as background and support for more important parts.

accompaniment

/ əˈkʌmpnɪ-, əˈkʌmpənɪmənt /

noun

1. something that accompanies or is served or used with something else

2. something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry

3. music a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra

Other Word Forms

• nonaccompaniment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompaniment¹

First recorded in 1725–35; accompany + -ment

Example Sentences

“I grew up in dance classes with live accompaniment,” says Barcelo.

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Elegantly played laments and dances were woven between the text sections, and sometimes skillfully repurposed as their background accompaniments.

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Together, they are trying to understand why the doxology, always sung “in one way and one way only” suddenly has been “pepped up” with an energetic organ accompaniment.

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Its age, Riese suggests, makes it a perfect accompaniment to steak.

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The documentaries provide visual accompaniment to the vivid writing coursing through “Last Rites,” which kicks off in 2018, when Osbourne’s medical troubles begin.

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