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accomplish

US //əˈkɑmpɫɪʃ// UK //ɐkˈɒmplɪʃ// ac·com·plish
  1. 1 to finish successfully (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to succeed in doing something you planned to do.

    to achieve or complete a task or objective successfully. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the goal or task.

    Example

    If we work together, we can accomplish our goals much faster.

    Example

    The research team managed to accomplish the entire project within the strict budgetary constraints set by the board of directors.

    Pitfall
    I accomplished to finish the report.
    I accomplished the task of finishing the report.

    Unlike 'manage' or 'succeed', 'accomplish' is followed by a noun or a gerund phrase, not a 'to' infinitive.

  2. 2 to fill out a form (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

    to complete or fill in a document or form.

    to complete a form or document by providing the required information.

    Example

    Please accomplish the registration form before you enter the hall.

    Example

    The applicants were instructed to accomplish the health declaration forms accurately before proceeding to the interview room.

    Teacher's tip

    In most other varieties of English, speakers use 'fill out' or 'complete' for forms; 'accomplish' in this context may sound confusing to non-local speakers.

Origin

From Middle English accomplisshen, acomplissen, from Old French acompliss-, extended stem of acomplir (Modern French accomplir), from Vulgar Latin *(ac)complīre, from Latin complēre (“fill up/out, complete”, whence English complete). First attested in the late 14th century.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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