English Reference
noun

accordance

n.
US /əˈkɔɹdəns/ UK /ɐkˈɔːdəns/ ac·cor·dance UK spelling accordances

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    the state of following a rule, law, or agreement.

    the state of being in agreement or compliance with a set of rules, laws, or standards.

    Simple

    The company must act in accordance with the new safety laws.

    In context

    The legal team ensured that every clause in the contract was drafted in strict accordance with international maritime regulations.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'in accordance with'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a high-register word. In everyday conversation, native speakers usually prefer 'following' or 'according to'.

    Pitfall
    The project was finished in accordance to the plan. The project was finished in accordance with the plan.

    The standard prepositional phrase is 'in accordance with', not 'in accordance to'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalArchaic Law

    the act of giving someone something, like a right or a title.

    the act of granting or bestowing something, such as a privilege, right, or honour.

    Simple

    The accordance of special rights to the group helped end the conflict.

    In context

    The accordance of diplomatic immunity to the visiting officials was a necessary step before the summit could begin.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'of' followed by the thing being granted.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very rare in modern English outside of specific legal or historical contexts.

    grantingbestowal

Any violations or misconduct by the Interior Ministry personnel would be dealt with “firmly” in accordance with the laws, Khattab said in a statement on X.

Al Jazeera· 17 Aug 2026

Buyers are expected to use the items responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws.” The site appeared to have been operating for at least a year.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

* (compliance): First attested around 1300. * (agreement): First attested in the early 14th century. * accord + -ance * From Middle English accordaunce, from Old French acordance (“agreeing, reconciliation, harmony”).

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

This entry
Origin Old French acordance
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated