Accompaniment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accompaniment

[ษ™หˆkสŒmpษ™nษชmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A musical part that supports or accompanies the main melody or solo instrument.

Synonyms

backup, harmony, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accompaniment

This term is best used when referring to music that complements the main piece or activity. It can also apply to a drink or side dish that goes well with a meal.

  • The pianist provided beautiful accompaniment to the singer.
  • Bread is a great accompaniment to soup.
backup

Use this term when talking about a person or thing that is a substitute or reserve, particularly in technology or emergency situations.

  • We always keep a backup of our important documents.
  • The police were called in as backup during the raid.
support

Best used when referring to aid, help, or encouragement in various circumstances, whether emotional, physical, or financial.

  • She offered emotional support during the difficult times.
  • Financial support is crucial for the project to succeed.
harmony

This word is ideal for situations involving music where different sounds or melodies fit together well. It can also describe a state of peaceful coexistence.

  • The choir's harmony was impeccable.
  • They lived in perfect harmony with each other.

Examples of usage

  • The piano played a beautiful accompaniment to the singer's voice.
  • The violin provided a soft accompaniment to the orchestra.
Context #2 | Noun

social

Something that supplements or complements something else.

Synonyms

addition, complement, supplement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accompaniment

Use this word when referring to something that goes along with something else, often enhancing it. Typically used in a context where two things are paired together, like food and drink, or music and a performance.

  • The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the gourmet cheese platter
  • The piano played a beautiful accompaniment to the singer's performance
complement

Use 'complement' when talking about something that completes or goes well with another thing. It often implies a harmonious or balanced relationship.

  • The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit
  • His calm demeanor is a great complement to her energetic personality
supplement

This word is appropriate when talking about something that is added to enhance or complete something, usually in the sense of providing additional assistance, support, or benefits.

  • She added vitamins to her diet as a supplement
  • The teacher provided extra materials as a supplement to the textbook
addition

This word is suitable for situations where something is being added to an existing collection, set, or list. It's more general and can be used in mathematical, physical, or metaphorical contexts.

  • The new wing is a wonderful addition to the museum
  • She was thrilled with the latest addition to her book collection

Examples of usage

  • The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
  • The salad served as a refreshing accompaniment to the main course.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, accompaniment refers to the supportive harmony that complements a soloist or main melody.
  • Different types of instruments, like pianos or guitars, often provide accompaniment to singers or other solo performances.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, accompaniments enhance flavors, like adding salsa to tacos or cheese to burgers.
  • Accompaniments can also include drinks, like pairing wine with a specific meal for balanced flavors.

Literature

  • In storytelling, an accompaniment could be a subplot that enriches the main narrative, adding depth to characters or themes.
  • Poetry often uses accompaniment in the form of meter and rhyme, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Psychology

  • The concept of accompaniment can also relate to social support, where having someone alongside can improve performance and emotional well-being.
  • Research shows that groups or partners can provide motivation, much like how musical accompaniment supports a singer.

Origin of 'accompaniment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'accompanare', which means 'to accompany'.
  • It originally entered the English language in the late 15th century, referring to a musical supporter.

The word 'accompaniment' originated from the Latin word 'accompanied', which means 'together with'. The term was first used in the 18th century in the context of music to refer to the supporting musical parts that accompany a main melody or solo. Over time, the usage of 'accompaniment' expanded to include social contexts, referring to anything that complements or supplements something else.


See also: accompanied, accompany, accompanying, unaccompanied.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,412, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.