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

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

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

The Met Office also said strong winds would accompany Monday's heavy rain, particularly in coastal areas.

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Mr Sunderland told a jury at Doncaster Crown Court he would never have accompanied Mr Ali if he had known there were people in the house.

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Now with a young family, everyday tasks like mowing the lawn were accompanied by excruciating pain.

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Strong winds will also accompany the heavy rain, with gales possible around coasts and over high ground.

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At the time of the crash, the ambulance was transporting a 94-year-old man to the hospital along with an 81-year-old woman who was accompanying him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attend 
• escort 
• follow 
• guide 
• lead