Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈkaʊnt/

Definitions

• Noun: A record or statement of financial transactions, or a record of information or actions. Example: "She opened a new bank account."
• Noun: A report or description of events or circumstances. Example: "He gave an account of the incident."
• Verb: To consider or regard something in a particular way. Example: "He accounted for the expenses in his report."
• Verb: To give a detailed explanation or justification. Example: "The manager will account for the missing items."

Usage Examples

• "I opened a savings account at the bank."
• "She provided an account of her travels across Europe."
• "They accounted for every penny spent during the project."
• "He had to account for his actions during the meeting."

Etymology

From Old French "acont," from Latin "computare" meaning "to count," derived from "com-" (together) and "putare" (to reckon). The word evolved to mean "to count or to list" in various forms, eventually becoming synonymous with "financial record" and "explanation of events."

Synonyms

• Record
• Ledger
• Statement
• Report
• Explanation
• Balance

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Omission
• Ignorance

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "account" is often pronounced with a slight stress on the second syllable, /əˈkaʊnt/.
• In British English, the pronunciation may emphasize the "a" slightly more, /ˈakɑʊnt/.

Historical Usage

The term "account" has been in use since the early 14th century, primarily in reference to financial ledgers. It originally denoted an explanation or reckoning of actions or events, often in the context of commerce or business. Over time, the word expanded to include records of any kind, including personal and narrative accounts, thus broadening its meaning significantly.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the concept of "account" can also relate to social or personal responsibility. In Western societies, the "account" often implies financial transparency and accountability, particularly in legal or corporate contexts. In other cultures, it may be used in a broader, more communal sense, referring to one's duty to provide an explanation or justification within the community or family.

More Information

The word "account" is not only limited to financial transactions but extends to a wide array of contexts, from narrative descriptions to moral or social justifications. Historically, it was essential in the context of trade and finance, where meticulous records were kept. Today, "account" is used in both professional and casual settings, emphasizing transparency, responsibility, and a thorough recording of events.