accord

An official agreement between countries or groups.

• The leaders signed a peace accord.
• Both sides agreed to respect the accord.
• Several trade accords were discussed at the meeting.

How to use it: an accord between A and B (The accord between the two countries reduced trade restrictions.)

Similar words: agreement, pact, treaty

Common phrases: peace accord, sign an accord, trade accord, international accord

A situation in which people agree or things fit together well.

• We are in complete accord.
• His actions are in accord with his beliefs.
• The two teams reached accord on the schedule.

How to use it: in accord with someone/something (Her decision was in accord with our policy.); in accord on something (We are in accord on the main issues.)

Similar words: agreement, harmony

Opposites: disagreement, discord

Common phrases: in accord, complete accord, in accord with

Your own wish or decision to act, without being asked or forced.

• He left of his own accord.
• The children cleaned the room of their own accord.
• Did she apologize of her own accord?

How to use it: of someone's own accord (She offered to help of her own accord.)

Similar words: free will, volition

Common phrases: of someone's own accord, of its own accord

To agree with something or fit it without a difference or problem.

• These results accord with our theory.
• Her actions did not accord with her promises.
• Does this policy accord with your principles?

How to use it: accord with something (His account accords with the evidence.)

Similar words: agree, match, correspond

Opposites: conflict, differ

Common phrases: accord with facts, accord with something, accord with evidence

To give someone respect, a right, or special treatment because they deserve it.

• Please accord our guests proper respect.
• The law accords equal rights to all citizens.
• He was accorded a warm welcome.

How to use it: accord someone something (The court accorded her the same rights as other citizens.); accord something to someone (Special status was accorded to the visitors.)

Similar words: grant, give, award

Opposites: deny, withhold

Common phrases: accord someone respect, accord equal rights, accord special treatment