accord
noun (countable)
UKəˈkɔːdUSəˈkɔːrd
an official agreement or treaty; harmony or concurrence of opinion
Example Sentences
The two countries reached an accord after months of tense negotiations.
This new accord aims to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment from further damage.
The trade accord between the neighboring nations boosted economic cooperation and lowered import taxes.
In perfect accord with her colleagues, she approved the proposal without any reservations.
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verb (transitive)
UKəˈkɔːdUSəˈkɔːrd
to grant or give something to someone; to be in agreement or harmony
Example Sentences
They accorded him the highest honor for his service to the community.
Her plans accord perfectly with the company's long-term vision, indicating a shared sense of purpose.
The committee will accord special privileges to members who have consistently contributed to the project over the last year.
Should the board and the shareholders fail to accord on this matter, the proposal may be discarded entirely.
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How to Use
A state of agreement or harmony, or to grant something formally.The word “accord” can serve as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it indicates agreement, harmony, or a settlement—often between nations, organizations, or individuals. You might see it in a phrase such as “They signed a peace accord,” meaning they reached a binding, cooperative agreement. As a verb, “to accord” can mean “to grant” or “to bestow,” especially in a formal or official context, as in “The university accorded him an honorary degree.”When speaking of relationships or discussions, “accord” highlights a mutual understanding or congruence of viewpoints. In practical usage, you might say, “Our goals are in accord with their values,” signifying that everyone’s aims align. In more formal writing, phrases like “in accordance with” emphasize that an action or decision follows specific rules, guidelines, or expectations.If you’re using “accord” in professional or academic contexts, specify precisely who is involved in the accord (e.g., two countries) or what aspect is being granted (e.g., a privilege). In casual conversation, “accord” can sound somewhat formal, but it’s handy when you need a concise way to express harmonious agreement or an official conferral of something.Keep in mind the subtle difference between “accord” and synonyms like “agreement” or “consensus”: “accord” typically carries a more formal or official nuance, often implying a written or high-level conclusion. Proper usage not only enriches your language but also lends clarity to the nature of the agreement or bestowal in question. Whether describing a peace treaty or bestowing an award, “accord” underscores the deliberate and often authoritative aspect of the action.
Alternatives
For a similar sense of agreement or shared resolution, consider words like “consensus,” “harmony,” or “concurrence.” “Consensus” captures the sense of collective approval or unity, ideal for group decisions. “Harmony” focuses more on a pleasing integration of different elements—like musical parts working together or distinct viewpoints aligning peacefully. “Concurrence” stresses simultaneous agreement or cooperation, often highlighting that multiple parties arrived at the same conclusion at the same time.If you want to convey the idea of granting or bestowing, “confer,” “grant,” or “bestow” may fit better. “Confer” typically suggests a formal act of giving an award or privilege, especially by a recognized authority. “Grant” has a broader range, applying to permissions, funds, or honors, while “bestow” often has a somewhat ceremonial flavor, implying a dignified or respectful act of giving. Each of these synonyms carries its own subtleties, so your choice depends on whether you aim to emphasize mutual agreement, formal conferral, or unity of perspective.
Writing
When using “accord” in writing—particularly in academic or professional documents—pay attention to context. As a noun, it can indicate high-level agreements like treaties between nations or formal settlements between opposing parties. If you’re drafting a legal or policy paper, you might cite an existing accord (e.g., an international environmental treaty) to show a framework that stakeholders have endorsed.To avoid ambiguity, identify who is in accord (for example, “The research team was in accord with the new protocol”), clarifying the parties involved and the nature of their agreement. If you use “to accord” as a verb, ensure your sentence structure highlights what is being granted and by whom. A statement like “The board accorded the CEO full authority to approve the budget” pins down both the granter (the board) and the content of the grant (budget approval).For narrative or creative writing, “accord” can signal a decisive turning point or conclusion of conflict, as in “The two warring factions finally reached an accord after years of discord.” In such cases, the word underscores resolution and unity. Whether formal or narrative in style, “accord” conveys a sense of deliberate consensus or bestowal, so choose it to emphasize carefully brokered agreements or formal permissions. By using it with precision, you imbue your writing with clarity and a certain gravitas, highlighting the significance of the agreement or the generosity involved.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “accord” may appear less frequently than simpler terms like “agreement” or “deal.” Still, you might encounter it in discussions about formal decisions or serious matters—for instance, “They finally reached an accord on workplace policies.” The word conveys a touch of seriousness or officiality, so it can lend extra weight when describing an important agreement.If you’re talking about daily matters or informal plans, you’ll probably swap in something lighter—like “We agreed to meet at noon.” However, if the subject is a significant settlement—like a contract or a heartfelt consensus—“accord” can capture that gravity in fewer words. Friends might say something like, “We came to an accord about how to split the rent,” signaling a final arrangement that satisfies everyone.When you use “accord” casually, you can emphasize its meaning by specifying what was decided or granted. For example, “In our accord, we decided to share the car every other day,” clarifies the outcome of the agreement. It’s a succinct way to convey that each party has reached a peaceful, mutually beneficial resolution. While it’s perfectly understandable in day-to-day scenarios, keep in mind that “accord” feels more formal than typical everyday expressions like “we worked things out” or “we hashed it out.”
Etymology
The word “accord” hails from the Old French “acord,” which itself traces back to the Latin “ad-” (“to”) combined with “cor” (“heart”). Literally, it can be interpreted as “to bring hearts together,” underscoring a sense of unity or harmony. In medieval usage, “accord” referred to reconciling differences, often within a legal or feudal setting.As English evolved, the term took on multiple connotations of agreement, settlement, or formal arrangement. Monarchs might reach an accord to end hostilities, guilds could draw up an accord on trade rules, and individuals might form a private accord to share resources. Later, the verb “to accord” branched off to mean “to grant” or “to be in harmony.” This shift in meaning illustrates how tightly unity and the act of bestowing something—like respect, privileges, or an opportunity—can intertwine. Regardless of its application, the word’s root notion of “bringing hearts (or minds) into alignment” still resonates, whether it’s an international treaty or a personal understanding.
