In brief, accord most often denotes an agreement or harmony between people or groups, and it can also refer to a formal treaty or the act of granting something. It also appears in phrases like “in accord with.” This article explains the term’s meanings, usage, etymology, and contemporary contexts.
Core meanings of accord
As a noun
When used as a noun, accord signals a state of agreement, harmony, or a formal settlement between parties. The word can refer to a negotiated settlement (an accord reached between parties), or a sense of alignment in values or actions.
Key senses of the noun include:
- An agreement or settlement between two or more parties.
- Harmony or conformity in opinion, action, or standards.
- A formal treaty or solemn arrangement.
In short, noun usage centers on agreement-like relations, whether political, personal, or moral.
As a verb
Used as a verb, accord means to grant or bestow something, or to be in agreement with a standard or principle. It can also mean to match or correspond to something.
- To grant or bestow (for example, rights, respect, or privileges).
- To correspond to or be in harmony with a standard or expectation (often used in legal or formal language).
- To agree or be consistent with something ("The decision accords with international law").
Verb usage emphasizes action — the act of giving, aligning, or agreeing.
Usage in phrases and contexts
The word shows up most often in fixed phrases that signal agreement or alignment. Below are some common forms and modern examples.
- In accord with: used to indicate agreement with laws, rules, or policies (e.g., policies in accord with international law).
- Accord (the Paris Accord/Agreement): a widely reported climate treaty reached in 2015, commonly referred to as the Paris Agreement; the term "accord" also appears in media usage.
- To accord respect or status: to grant someone a certain level of esteem or authority.
The use of accord in politics and law tends to be formal, while in everyday speech people often use “agreement” or “harmony” instead.
Origin and linguistic notes
The word accord comes from Old French accord, from Latin accordare meaning to bring into agreement, from cor (heart) related roots. The sense of “harmony” or “concurrence” developed in English around the 14th century. In modern English, “accord” is more formal and is often found in legal, diplomatic, or literary contexts, whereas everyday speech typically uses “agreement” or “conformity” or “in line with” instead.
Usage tips and nuances
Understanding when to choose accord versus synonyms like agreement, harmony, or conformity depends on tone and context. The term is typically used in formal, diplomatic, or legal writing, or in literary style. In everyday conversation, speakers usually opt for simpler words.
- Choose “accord” when you want a formal, weighty tone, especially in legal or diplomatic writing.
- Prefer “agreement” or “harmony” in casual speech or everyday writing for clarity.
- Be mindful of the phrase “in accord with” to indicate alignment with rules, standards, or law.
In modern discourse, the word also pops up in headlines and policy discussions about international treaties, such as climate accords, making it a useful term for formal contexts.
Summary
Accord primarily means an agreement or harmony between parties, with a secondary sense as a verb meaning to grant or align with something. It appears in formal phrases like “in accord with” and in references to treaties or accords such as the Paris Agreement (often called the Paris Accord in media). Its usage ranges from diplomacy and law to literary contexts, with everyday language typically favoring simpler synonyms.