accord

[ uh-kawrd ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be in agreement or harmony; agree.

   Synonyms: concur, harmonize

   Antonyms: conflict

verb (used with object)

1. to make agree or correspond; adapt.

   Synonyms: reconcile

2. to grant; bestow:

   to accord due praise.

   Antonyms: withdraw, deny, withhold

3. Archaic. to settle; reconcile.

noun

1. proper relationship or proportion; harmony.
2. a harmonious union of sounds, colors, etc.
3. consent or concurrence of opinions or wills; agreement.
4. an international agreement; settlement of questions outstanding among nations.

accord

/ əˈkɔːd /

noun

1. agreement; conformity; accordance (esp in the phrase in accord with )
2. consent or concurrence of opinion
3. with one accord
   unanimously
4. pleasing relationship between sounds, colours, etc; harmony
5. a settlement of differences, as between nations; compromise
6. of one's own accord
   voluntarily

verb

1. to be or cause to be in harmony or agreement
2. tr to grant; bestow

Derived Forms

• acˈcorder, noun
• acˈcordable, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·cord·a·ble adjective
• ac·cord·er noun
• non·ac·cord noun
• pre·ac·cord noun verb (used without object)
• un·ac·cord·a·ble adjective
• un·ac·cord·ed adjective
• well-ac·cord·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accord¹

First recorded in 1100–50; Middle English a(c)corden, late Old English acordan, from Old French acorder, from Vulgar Latin accordāre (unrecorded), from Latin ac- ac- + cor (stem cord- ) “heart” ( cordial ); heart

Word History and Origins

Origin of accord¹

C12: via Old French from Latin ad- to + cord-, stem of cor heart

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. of one's own accord, without being asked or told; voluntarily:

   We did the extra work of our own accord.

More idioms and phrases containing accord

see of one's own accord .

Synonym Study

See correspond.

Example Sentences

The study is an important piece of the puzzle for finding new treatments for dementia, according to the researchers.

From Science Daily

While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

They are also expected to negatively affect the overall U.S. economy, according to a meta-analysis by the nonprofit Tax Foundation.

From Salon

For now, according to Politico, lawmakers seem poised to extend the 2018 Farm Bill for another year, likely attaching it to a must-pass spending measure or a continuing resolution.

From Salon

In order for Smith to be freed, she will need a two-thirds vote of board members who are present, according to the state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

From BBC

Related Words

• affirm
• agree
• conform
• correspond

More About Accord

What does accord mean?

To accord is to agree or be in harmony with someone or something.

Accord is usually used formally to mean to work together. It is often used in official decrees, analysis of public figures, and governmental affairs.

Related to this, an accord is an agreement. In particular when nations agree to something, we often say they have reached an accord, as with the Paris Climate Accords.

To accord can also mean to grant or bestow. Oftentimes an item that is accorded is something that will strengthen a relationship or agreement, as with according someone praise or forgiveness.

Example: Failure to reach an accord will mean the battle will continue for years to come.

Where does accord come from?

The first records of the term accord come from the 1100s. It comes from the Latin accordāre. In Latin, the term cord means “heart” or “mind.” In the same way, accord means “to add heart” or “lend mind,” as one does when they accord.

One of the most common uses of accord is in the phrase of one’s own accord, meaning “voluntarily” or  “done without being asked to.” If you do something of your own will, you are showing a desire to accord with those who benefit from your action. If you empty the dishwasher of your own accord, you’re showing the people you live with a desire to help take care of your home, which can create accord among everyone you live with.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to accord?

• accordable (adjective)
• accorder (noun)
• according (adjective)
• accordant (adjective)
• well-accorded (adjective)

What are some synonyms for accord?

• agree
• conform
• bestow
• give
• pact
• reconciliation

What are some words that share a root or word element with accord? 

• accordance
• cordial
• accordingly
• accordant

What are some words that often get used in discussing accord?

• issue
• peace
• team
• work

How is accord used in real life?

Accord is usually used in academic or professional settings, although it is sometimes used casually as well.

BREAKING: France, Germany, Italy issue joint statement saying Paris climate accord can't be renegotiated.

— The Associated Press (@AP) June 1, 2017

BREAKING: After years of talks, Colombia and FARC rebels announce accord for ending half-century of war.

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 24, 2016

Even if you want to stick to an idea, if it doesn't work for you, it will change on its own accord. Be patient.

— Yoko Ono ☮️🏳️ (@yokoono) August 31, 2017

 

Try using accord!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for accord?

A. agree
B. fight
C. confirm
D. afirm