Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈkɔːd/ (noun), /əˈkɔːd/ (verb)

Definitions

• Noun: An agreement or settlement between parties, often formal and legally binding.
• Verb: To give or grant something voluntarily, or to be in harmony or agreement with someone or something.

Usage Examples

• "The two countries signed an accord to end the conflict."
• "The team was in accord about the strategy for the upcoming game."
• "The parties accorded the necessary rights to the workers in the contract."

Etymology

The word "accord" comes from the Old French "acorder," meaning "to agree, reconcile," from Latin "accordare," meaning "to bring into agreement, harmonize," derived from "ad-" (to) and "cor," meaning "heart," thus suggesting "to bring into the same heart or mind."

Synonyms

• Agreement
• Deal
• Contract
• Concord
• Understanding

Antonyms

• Disagreement
• Conflict
• Dispute
• Discord
• Opposition

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "accord" is often pronounced with a harder "a" (/əˈkɔːrd/).
• In British English, the pronunciation can be slightly softer, closer to /əˈkɔːd/.
• In French, "accord" is pronounced similarly, but the "c" is softened to sound like "a-kɔʁ".

Historical Usage

Historically, the term "accord" was used to describe formal agreements between nations, monarchs, or governments, especially in diplomatic contexts. Over time, it became more widely used in legal and business contexts to refer to any formal or informal agreement. It has retained its relevance in international relations and continues to be used in peace treaties and accords today.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of "accord" is culturally significant, particularly in diplomacy. The idea of "coming to an accord" reflects values of peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding. In many cultures, "accord" signifies not only an agreement but also an alignment of goals, intentions, and actions between parties. In some languages, such as French and Spanish, the word can also imply harmony or concord, extending its use beyond formal agreements to include interpersonal relationships.

More Information

"Accord" is a term that is central to the fields of diplomacy, law, and business. It is typically used to describe agreements, often formal, between different parties, and is an essential part of international relations. The word can be used both as a noun and a verb, with the latter meaning "to grant" or "to be in harmony." In modern usage, the word is often associated with peace accords, such as treaties signed between nations to resolve conflicts. The evolution of the term reflects its importance in maintaining diplomatic and legal relations globally.