accompany - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
accompany Word Meanings
- to go along with someone
- to be present with something
- to complement or enhance something
accompany Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
accompany Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈkʌmpəni/
US
/əˈkʌmpəni/
accompany Word Etymology
a- (to) + company (companion) = to go with a companion. Historical origin: Latin 'accompanare' → Old French 'acompanier' → English. Memory image: Imagine walking alongside a friend, sharing the journey and supporting each other.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move closer to a friend, letting my steps match their pace as we set off together. We walk in step, I adjust my tempo a little and keep my focus on their mood, feeling the rhythm shift under us. The act of accompanying grows from simply being there to sensing what they need—silence, a joke, a shared glance—and I let that presence gently lift the moment. By the time we part, the walk feels like a quiet bond, not a chore, because I chose to stay and move along with them.
Real Context
Accompany means to go somewhere with someone or to be present with something, and it can also mean to complement or enhance something. It emphasizes presence and shared experience rather than simply providing transportation. Common collocations include accompany someone to a place, accompany a meal with wine, or a report that is accompanied by illustrations. Historically the word comes from a Latin formation meaning to go with a companion, through Old French and into English. This sense of partnership helps learners remember that accompany is about presence, not control, and it contrasts with terms like assist or escort in certain contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Remember to pair accompany with to or with; you accompany someone to a place, you can accompany a dish with a wine; avoid using accompany to mean assist in a task; escort is more formal; attend is about being present at an event; the noun is accompaniment.
Common Misconceptions
- Accompany = help or assist; it often means presence, not just aid.
- It always involves a person; it cannot pair with things.
- Escorting is a synonym in all contexts; one is not more formal than the other.
- Accompany can only describe going to a place, never accompanying with a meal or document.
- Accompany and attend are interchangeable in most events.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often rely on accompany to emphasize presence with a person or thing and to describe things that go with something else. Learners may confuse it with help or escort, especially when context is about protection or formal travel. Remember the structure: accompany + someone to a place; accompany + something with something; or accompany + a noun with additional context.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations with accompany (accompany to, accompany with).
- Distinguish accompany from escort and attend by context.
- Remember the noun form accompaniment for things that go with something.
- Practice sentences where you describe both people and objects that accompany each other.
- Use synonyms like go with when describing fashion or flavor pairings.
- Review etymology to recall the meaning of shared journey.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'accompany'?
A.To cook a meal
B.To build a house
C.To fix a car
D.To go with someone or something
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'accompany' used correctly?
A.I will fix my car accompany.
B.I will bake a cake to accompany the movie night.
C.I will build a new house accompany.
D.I will accompany my friend to the library.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'accompany'?
A.Assist
B.Pursue
C.Steer
D.Instruct
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'accompany'?
A.Attach
B.Abandon
C.Follow
D.Greet
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life scenario would you need to accompany someone?
A.Playing video games
B.Watching a movie
C.Going to the doctor's office
D.Eating dinner
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