Account: meaning, definitions and examples

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account

 

[ əˈkaʊnt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

banking

A record or statement of financial transactions, especially one for a particular period or of a particular type.

Synonyms

record, report, statement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
account

Used when describing a detailed description or explanation of an event or situation. Often used in storytelling or witness accounts.

  • She gave a full account of what happened that night.
  • The witness provided a detailed account of the accident.

Examples of usage

  • The bank sent me a monthly account of my expenses.
  • She kept a detailed account of all the money she spent.
Context #2 | Noun

online

An arrangement by which a user is given personalized access to a computer, website, or application, typically by entering a username and password.

Synonyms

login, profile, user account.

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Word Description / Examples
account

In a financial context, it refers to a record of financial transactions or a relationship with a bank where money is stored.

  • I need to check my bank account balance.
  • He opened a savings account to save money for a new car.
profile

A summary or outline of an individual's personal information, interests, and activities within a service or on a platform.

  • Update your profile picture to help your friends recognize you.
  • Her profile lists all her professional experiences and skills.
login

The process or an action of gaining access to a computer, system, or service by entering credentials, typically a username and password.

  • Please enter your credentials to login.
  • I forgot my password and now I can't login.
user account

Similar to 'account', it specifically refers to the account assigned to a user of a system or service, with particular permissions and settings.

  • Each user account has its own unique settings and preferences.
  • You need a user account to access this feature in the application.

Examples of usage

  • You need to create an account to access the online services.
  • I forgot my account password.
Context #3 | Verb

describe

To give a report or representation of in words.

Synonyms

describe, explain, justify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
account

When detailing events or experiences and how they happened. Often used in storytelling or reporting.

  • She gave a vivid account of her travels through Europe.
  • The police officer provided a detailed account of the incident.
explain

When making something clear or easy to understand, often with the purpose of education or clarification.

  • The scientist explained the theory of relativity to the audience.
  • Can you explain why you were late to the meeting?
justify

When providing reasons or arguments to show something is right or reasonable, often used in a defensive or argumentative manner.

  • He tried to justify his actions by saying he was under a lot of stress.
  • The company had to justify its decision to lay off workers.
describe

When providing specific details about the appearance, characteristics, or attributes of something or someone.

  • Can you describe what the thief looked like?
  • The teacher asked the students to describe their favorite book.

Examples of usage

  • She will account for her actions.
  • Can you account for the missing money?

Translations

Translations of the word "account" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conta

🇮🇳 खाता

🇩🇪 Konto

🇮🇩 akun

🇺🇦 рахунок

🇵🇱 konto

🇯🇵 アカウント

🇫🇷 compte

🇪🇸 cuenta

🇹🇷 hesap

🇰🇷 계정

🇸🇦 حساب

🇨🇿 účet

🇸🇰 účet

🇨🇳 账户

🇸🇮 račun

🇮🇸 reikningur

🇰🇿 шот

🇬🇪 ანგარიში

🇦🇿 hesab

🇲🇽 cuenta

Etymology

The word 'account' originated from the Old French word 'aconter,' which means 'to count' or 'to reckon.' It has been used in English since the 13th century. Initially, it referred to a narrative or record of events. Over time, its meaning expanded to include financial records and descriptions of actions. The word has evolved to encompass various contexts, from banking to online accounts. Today, 'account' is a versatile term with multiple meanings and applications.

See also: accountabilities, accountability, accountable, accountably, accountant, accounting, accounts, unaccountable.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #307, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.