account for

British  

verb

1. to give reasons for (an event, act, etc)

2. to make or provide a reckoning of (expenditure, payments, etc)

3. to be responsible for destroying, killing, or putting (people, aircraft, etc) out of action

---

account for Idioms  

1. 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 .

2. 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

What accounts for this major new uptick in antisemitic expression and action?

From Los Angeles Times

Immigration authorities are arresting more of these moms in the first place, but that doesn’t account for all of the surge in deportations.

From Salon

In January, taxes accounted for 18% of the cost of a gallon of gas, while the cost of oil was 51%, according to the U.S.

From MarketWatch

The strategy likely only makes sense after setting aside funds in other accounts for nearer-term expenses, such as college, and funding the parents’ retirement.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ultraprocessed foods like soft drinks, bacon and other processed meats, frozen meals, packaged baked goods and packaged savory snacks like chips account for more than 50% of the calories the average American consumes each day.

From MarketWatch