What is accompany? Pronunciation and usage in English

accompany means . Learn how to pronounce and use accompany through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of accompany

accompanyverb

/əˈkʌmp(ə)ni/
Definition & pronunciation of accompany

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accompany." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown with a few approaches:

1. The Most Common & Generally Accepted Pronunciation:

  • AH-kum-ee: This is the pronunciation you'll hear most often in American English.
    • AH - Like in "father"
    • kum - Rhymes with "sum"
    • ee - Like the letter "e" (as in "see")

2. A More Detailed Breakdown (and closer to British English):

  • uh-kum-p-ee: This breaks it down a bit more.
    • uh - A short, relaxed "uh" sound – almost like you're slightly holding your breath. It's subtle.
    • kum - Same as above (rhymes with “sum”)
    • p - A very quick, almost silent "p" sound. It’s often barely noticeable. It connects the "kum" and "ee."
    • ee - Like the letter "e" (as in "see")

3. Visual Aid (Phonetic Transcription):

  • Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it's often represented as: /əˈkum.ɛ/

Tips & Tricks:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable – "kum."
  • The Silent "p": Don’t overemphasize the "p." It's almost an internal connection between the 'kum' and 'ee.'
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The absolute best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "accompany" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%25accompany - This website has audio pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce accompany" - many videos show how to say it.

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Which English dialect are you most interested in (American, British, Australian, etc.)?

Usage and examples with the word accompany in English

Let's break down how to use the word "accompany" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Go Together (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. “Accompany” means to be present with someone, often as a companion or part of a group.
  • Example:
    • "I'll accompany you to the concert." (I’ll be there with you.)
    • "She accompanied him to the train station." (She went with him.)
    • "The music accompanied the dance." (The music was part of the dance performance.)

2. To Be Accompanied By (Passive Voice)

  • Meaning: To be joined or followed by something else. It’s the passive form of the first meaning.
  • Example:
    • "The delegation was accompanied by a large security detail." (The delegation was joined by, and followed by, a security detail.)
    • "The painting was accompanied by a detailed description." (The description was included with, or went with, the painting.)

3. To Provide Musical Accompaniment

  • Meaning: To play music to accompany singing, dancing, or another instrument.
  • Example:
    • "The pianist accompanied the singer." (The pianist provided music for the singer to perform to.)
    • "The guitar accompanied the violinist." (The guitar provided music for the violinist.)

4. To Be a Companion or Follower (Figurative)

  • Meaning: In a more figurative sense, "accompany" can mean something happens or is felt alongside something else.
  • Example:
    • “Sadness accompanied him throughout the day.” (Sadness was present with him.)
    • “His success was accompanied by a great deal of criticism.” (Criticism happened at the same time as his success.)
    • "The economic downturn accompanied the rise in unemployment." (The economic issues happened alongside the increase in joblessness.)

Key Differences & Synonyms

  • Accompany implies a connection, presence, or association.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, consider: join, accompany, follow, attend, accompany, join, pair with.

Tips for Choosing the Right Usage:

  • Think about the relationship: Is something going with someone? (Meaning 1) Is someone being joined by something? (Meaning 2) Is someone playing music with someone? (Meaning 3) Is something occurring alongside something else? (Meaning 4)
  • Listen to the context: The surrounding words will usually make the meaning clear.

Could you give me an example sentence where you'd like to use "accompany," and I can help you refine it or explain a specific nuance? For instance, “I want to use it to describe someone being with me on a trip.”

Synonyms for the word accompany

Practice with vocabulary accompany

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The musician decided to ________ the singer during the performance.
  2. She asked her friend to ________ her to the meeting for moral support.
  3. The teacher asked the students to ________ the instructions carefully before starting the task.
  4. The documentary will ________ the main film as a bonus feature.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits the sentence: "The CEO requested that someone ________ her to the conference."
    a) accompany
    b) follow
    c) assist
    d) guide

  2. Which word can replace the underlined phrase: "The waiter will go with you to your table."
    a) accompany
    b) lead
    c) precede
    d) escort

  3. Which sentence uses "accompany" correctly?
    a) He decided to accompany his friend to the store.
    b) The storm will accompany heavy rainfall.
    c) She accompanied the piano while singing.
    d) The teacher accompanied the students to finish their homework.

  4. Which word best completes the sentence: "The new policy will ________ the existing regulations."
    a) complement
    b) accompany
    c) replace
    d) extend

  5. Which word is NOT a synonym of "accompany" in this context: "The guide will ________ the tourists during the hike."
    a) escort
    b) follow
    c) abandon
    d) accompany

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She went with her brother to the doctor's appointment.
    Rewrite: She accompanied her brother to the doctor's appointment.

  2. Original: The manager will attend the seminar along with his team.
    Rewrite: The manager will accompany his team to the seminar.

  3. Original: The book comes with a supplementary guide.
    Rewrite: The book includes a supplementary guide.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. accompany
  2. accompany
  3. follow
  4. accompany

Exercise 2:

  1. a) accompany
  2. a) accompany
  3. a) He decided to accompany his friend to the store.
  4. a) complement
  5. c) abandon

Exercise 3:

  1. She accompanied her brother to the doctor's appointment.
  2. The manager will accompany his team to the seminar.
  3. The book includes a supplementary guide.

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