Accompany
Pronunciation
- RP IPA: /ə.ˈkʌm.pə.ni/, /ə.ˈkʌmp.ni/
Origin
- First attested in early 15th century.
From Middle English accompanien, from Old French acompagner ("to associate with"), from compaign ("companion"). See company.
Full definition of accompany
Verb
- (transitive) To go with or attend as a companion or associate; to keep company with; to go along with.
- 1804 Richard Glover (poet):The Persian dames, …
In sumptuous cars, accompanied his march. - 1581, Philip Sidney, An Apology of Poetry, or a Defense of Poesy, Book I:They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts.
- 1979, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England:He was accompanied by two carts filled with wounded rebels.
- Geoffrey accompanied the group on their pilgrimage.
- (transitive) To supplement with; add to.
- 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 5, He was thinking; but the glory of the song, the swell from the great organ, the clustered lights, …, the height and vastness of this noble fane, its antiquity and its strength—all these things seemed to have their part as causes of the thrilling emotion that accompanied his thoughts.
- (to perform an accompanying part next to another instrument)(intransitive, music) To perform an accompanying part or parts in a composition.
- (transitive, music) To perform an accompanying part next to another instrument.The strings were accompanied by two woodwinds.
- (intransitive, obsolete) To associate in a company; to keep company.
- unknown date Holland:Men say that they will drive away one another, … and not accompany together.
- (intransitive, obsolete) To cohabit (with).
- (transitive, obsolete) To cohabit with; to coexist with; occur with.
Usage notes
(to go with) Persons are said to be accompanied by, and inanimate objects, state or condition is said to be accompanied with.
Synonyms
- We accompany those with whom we go as companions. The word imports an equality of station.
- We attend those whom we wait upon or follow. The word conveys an idea of subordination.
- We escort those whom we attend with a view to guard and protect.A gentleman accompanies a friend to some public place; he attends or escorts a lady.