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accompany

v.
US //əˈkəmpəni// UK //ɐkˈʌmpəni// ac·com·pa·ny
  1. 1 to go with someone (v.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The diplomat was accompanied by a small team of advisors during the high-level negotiations in Brussels.
  2. 2 to happen at the same time (v.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The rapid economic growth was accompanied by a significant increase in urban migration and infrastructure demand.
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  1. 3 to play music for someone (v.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

Word family

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