# accordance

/əˈkɔɹdəns/ (US) · /ɐkˈɔːdəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accordance
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. following a rule or law

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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'.

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

### 2. the act of granting

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The work was done in accordance with the plan.
- The company updated its privacy policy in accordance with the new government regulations on data protection.
- All financial records must be maintained in strict accordance with international accounting standards to ensure transparency during the upcoming audit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.