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accompany

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //əˈkəmpəni// UK //ɐkˈʌmpəni// ac·com·pa·ny Academic Archaic General-service

v. to go somewhere with someone or to happen at the same time as something else. In music, it means to play an instrument while someone else sings or plays the main part.

v. to go along with another as a companion; to occur in association with another event. In a musical context, to provide instrumental support for a solo voice or instrument.


SIMPLE

The pianist will accompany the singer during the performance.

CONTEXTUAL

A fever and a sore throat often accompany the common cold, making it difficult to swallow.

COMPLEX

While the soloist's performance was technically flawless, the subtle way the orchestra chose to accompany her provided the emotional depth that truly captivated the audience.

Synonyms
Origin

* First attested in early 15th century. From Middle English accompanien, from Old French acompagner (“to associate with”), from compaing (“companion”), nominative singular of compaignon (“companion”). See company.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. In the passive voice, it is followed by the preposition 'by'.

Pitfall

He accompanied with me to the storeHe accompanied me to the storeThe verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'with'.

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