English Reference
verb

accompany

v.
US /əˈkəmpəni/ UK /ɐkˈʌmpəni/ ac·com·pa·ny UK spelling accompanies

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    to go somewhere with someone as a companion.

    to go with or attend as a companion or associate. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Simple

    Children under the age of twelve must be accompanied by an adult.

    In context

    The diplomat was accompanied by a small team of advisors during the high-level negotiations in Brussels.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to happen or exist at the same time as something else.

    to occur in association with something else; to coexist or be found at the same time.

    Simple

    The fever was accompanied by a bad cough and a headache.

    In context

    The rapid economic growth was accompanied by a significant increase in urban migration and infrastructure demand.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    to play a musical instrument while someone else sings or plays the main part.

    to perform an accompanying part or parts in a musical composition, providing harmonic or rhythmic support to a soloist.

    Simple

    The famous singer was accompanied on the piano by her sister.

    In context

    The professor agreed to accompany the student on the harpsichord for his final recital performance.

The Reuters news agency, citing The New York Times, reported that Rideout was travelling to the US accompanied by FBI officials.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Young people, adults and older residents packed donations, accompanied victims’ families and supported those still working among the rubble.

UN News· 13 Aug 2026

* 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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French acompagner
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated