account for
Britishverb
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to give reasons for (an event, act, etc)
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to make or provide a reckoning of (expenditure, payments, etc)
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to be responsible for destroying, killing, or putting (people, aircraft, etc) out of action
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Be the determining factor in; cause. For example, The heat wave accounts for all this food spoilage , or Icy roads account for the increase in accidents .
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Explain or justify, as in Jane was upset because her son couldn't account for the three hours between his last class and his arrival at home . Both of these related usages are derived from the literal meaning of the phrase, that is, “make a reckoning of an account.” [Second half of 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Social Security recalculates benefits at full retirement age to account for months in which your benefits were withheld.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 10, 2026
Democratic voters account for about 31% of the district.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 10, 2026
Sportswear seller Azri Mukthar told the BBC he has been trying to withdraw almost £2,500 from his account for over a year.
From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026
Its physical stores account for 95% of its grocery-related fulfillment square footage, according to data from MWPVL.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2026
Elizabeth’s spirits soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
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