WordGarden.ioaccompany
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /əkˈʌmpəni/
US
- /əˈkəmpəni/
Meanings
Verb
to go somewhere with a person or thing
to happen or appear together with something else
to provide musical support for a singer or soloist
More meaningsFewer meanings
to be served with or complement a dish or drink
Beyond the definition
To accompany someone means to go somewhere with them—not necessarily leading the way, but offering your presence and perhaps assistance. Think of a knight accompanying a king on a journey, or a side dish accompanying a main course. It's about being a companion during an experience. You might accompany a friend to the doctor, or a beautiful melody might accompany a scene in a film. Sometimes it means to occur alongside something else—rain often accompanies thunderstorms.
The word suggests more than just physical presence; it implies support, enhancement, or connection. A good book can accompany you through a lonely evening, and a feeling of anxiety may accompany you when you speak in public.
"Accompany" is a versatile word with several related meanings, all revolving around the idea of going with something or someone. Most commonly, it means to go along with another person on a journey or outing. For example: "She decided to accompany her husband on his business trip." This suggests being a companion and offering support during the experience.
However, "accompany" can also mean to go with something else as a complement or addition. Think of music accompanying a dance performance—it enhances the overall experience. Or consider a sauce that accompanies a meal: "The roasted vegetables were accompanied by a lemon-herb vinaigrette."
In more formal writing, it can mean “be sent or provided with”: "Your application should be accompanied by proof of address."
Interestingly, "accompany" can also describe something that happens at the same time as another event. For example: "Heavy rain often accompanies hurricanes." Here, the rain isn't actively choosing to go with the hurricane; it's a natural association. Similarly, you might say, "A feeling of dread accompanied her as she walked into the interview."
The word comes from the Old French acompaignier (“to accompany; keep company with”), related to the idea of companionship. That sense of being alongside is central to all its meanings—whether it's physical presence, a complementary addition, or a natural co-occurrence.
So, whether you're offering companionship on a trip, enhancing an experience with something extra, or describing a phenomenon that occurs with an event, "accompany" speaks to the idea of things going together—in support, connection, or consequence.
Examples
- 1
Patient care
A nurse accompanied the patient to the waiting room.
- 2
Child supervision
Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult.
- Patternbe accompanied by + person
have someone with you
- 3
Travel help
I can accompany you to the station if you don't want to walk alone.
- 4
Meal serving
The grilled chicken is accompanied by rice and salad.
- Patternbe accompanied by + food or side dish
be served together with it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Presentations
Her speech was accompanied by slides and short videos.
- Patternbe accompanied by + material or event
happen together with it
- 6
Music
On the piano, he accompanied the singer very softly.
- Domainin music, accompany someone
play while they sing or play
- 7
Documents
Please send the form back with the accompanying documents.
- Grammaraccompanying
an adjective meaning sent or provided together with something
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- accompanyverb
Forms
- accompaniedpast tenseverb
- accompanying-ing formverb
- accompaniesverb