accompany

[ uh-kuhm-puh-nee ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·com·pa·nied, ac·com·pa·ny·ing.

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 by with ):

   He accompanied his speech with gestures.

4. Music. to play or sing an accompaniment to or for.

verb (used without object)

, ac·com·pa·nied, ac·com·pa·ny·ing.

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. trfoll bywith 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)

Derived Forms

• acˈcompanier, noun

Other Words From

• non·ac·com·pa·ny·ing adjective
• re·ac·com·pa·ny verb (used with object) reaccompanied reaccompanying

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

Gray said the ministerial code makes clear that family members or guests can accompany a minister.

From BBC

A new video by Oliver Murray, who created the video for The Beatles' 2023 single Now And Then, will accompany the song, featuring archive footage of David Bowie introducing the song's stars and Michael Buerk's famous BBC news report on the song.

From BBC

Strong gusty winds will accompany the mountain snow too.

From BBC

In the immediate aftermath of Saturday's game, captain Jamie George spoke of the "external noise" that would accompany the defeat and the need for the squad to "stay tight and keep believing".

From BBC

If approved by California voters, Proposition 5 would make it easier for local bond measures, and the tax increases that often accompany them, to pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attend
• escort
• follow
• guide
• lead