accompany

[uh-kuhm-puh-nee]

verb (used with object)

accompanied, accompanying 

1. to go along or in company with; join in action.

   to accompany a friend on a walk.

2. to be or exist in association or company with.

   Thunder accompanies lightning.

3. to put in company with; cause to be or go along; associate (usually followed bywith ).

   He accompanied his speech with gestures.

4. Music.,  to play or sing an accompaniment to or for.

verb (used without object)

accompanied, accompanying 

1. to provide the musical accompaniment.

accompany

/ əˈkʌmpənɪ, əˈkʌmpnɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to go along with, so as to be in company with or escort

2. to supplement

   the food is accompanied with a very hot mango pickle

3. (tr) to occur, coexist, or be associated with

4. to provide a musical accompaniment for (a performer)

Other Word Forms

• nonaccompanying adjective
• reaccompany verb (used with object)
• accompanier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompany¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English accompanye, from Middle French accompagnier; ac-, company

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompany¹

C15: from Old French accompaignier, from compaing _companion ¹

Synonym Study

Accompany, attend, convoy, escort mean to go along with someone (or something). To accompany is to go along as an associate on equal terms: to accompany a friend on a shopping trip. Attend implies going along with, usually to render service or perform duties: to attend one's employer on a business trip. To convoy is to accompany (especially ships) with an armed guard for protection: to convoy a fleet of merchant vessels. To escort is to accompany in order to protect, guard, honor, or show courtesy: to escort a visiting dignitary.

Example Sentences

In a cinema screening to accompany the new album, Swift has now revealed that the track is "a love letter to someone who hates you".

From BBC

Many economists have pointed out that the White House reductions have been accompanied by other deficit-ballooning policies, which could undercut their attacks on Democrats for being the party of fiscal irresponsibility.

From BBC

A common refrain among the interviewees — including Noam’s wife, Gali, who accompanied him for part of that day — is shock at the delayed response of their country’s vaunted security forces.

From Los Angeles Times

Even so, he accompanied the group to a lake the next day, where they performed a ceremony for him.

From Los Angeles Times

Baruch was familiar with the loneliness that accompanies addiction, and in 2010 began to converse with homeless individuals resting outside gas stations or convenient stores over a cup of coffee.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attend 
• escort 
• follow 
• guide 
• lead