Word
accordance
Phoneticsac·cor·dance, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈkɔɹdəns/
UK/ɐkˈɔːdəns/
Definitions
01following a rule or law
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the state of following a rule, law, or agreement.
n. the state of being in agreement or compliance with a set of rules, laws, or standards.
“The company must act in accordance with the new safety laws.”
“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'.
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'.
Teaching tip
This is a high-register word. In everyday conversation, native speakers usually prefer 'following' or 'according to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02the act of granting
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Formal · Archaic
n. the act of giving someone something, like a right or a title.
n. the act of granting or bestowing something, such as a privilege, right, or honour.
“The accordance of special rights to the group helped end the conflict.”
“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.
Teaching tip
This sense is very rare in modern English outside of specific legal or historical contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “accordance” in context.
Verb
01. act in accordance
“The board of directors must act in accordance with the company's bylaws.”
verb + prep + noun
02. ensure accordance with
“The auditor's job is to ensure accordance with federal regulations.”
verb + noun + prep
Adjective
03. full accordance
“The new policy is in full accordance with the recommendations of the committee.”
adj + noun
04. strict accordance
“The ceremony was conducted in strict accordance with ancient traditions.”
adj + noun
Preposition
05. in accordance with
“The company's accounts were prepared in accordance with international standards.”
prep + noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“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.” “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.” Etymology
* (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.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/accordance