accordance
n.-
1 following a rule or law (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe state of following a rule, law, or agreement.
the state of being in agreement or compliance with a set of rules, laws, or standards.
ExampleThe company must act in accordance with the new safety laws.
ExampleThe legal team ensured that every clause in the contract was drafted in strict accordance with international maritime regulations.
UsageAlmost always used in the fixed phrase 'in accordance with'.
Teacher's tipThis is a high-register word. In everyday conversation, native speakers usually prefer 'following' or 'according to'.
PitfallThe 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'.
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2 the act of granting (n.) C2 Proficiency Formal Archaic Lawthe 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.
ExampleThe accordance of special rights to the group helped end the conflict.
ExampleThe accordance of diplomatic immunity to the visiting officials was a necessary step before the summit could begin.
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'of' followed by the thing being granted.
Teacher's tipThis sense is very rare in modern English outside of specific legal or historical contexts.
- granting
- bestowal
* (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”).