According

Definition

According is used as a preposition (often in the phrase “according to”) meaning “as stated or reported by,” “in agreement with,” or “in proportion to.”

Parts of Speech

• Preposition

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /əˈkɔr.dɪŋ/
• Respelling: uh-KOR-ding

British English

• IPA: /əˈkɔː.dɪŋ/
• Respelling: uh-KOR-ding

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French acorder “to agree,” from Latin accordāre “to bring into agreement,” from ad- “to” + cordāre “to give heart” (from cor “heart”).

Derivatives

• accord (verb/noun)
• accordance (noun)
• accordingly (adverb)
• according to (prepositional phrase)

Synonyms

• as per
• in accordance with
• per
• in line with

Antonyms

• regardless of
• independent of

Usage

The preposition "according" is used to indicate source, reference, or conformity. For example, "According to the report, sales increased," or "According to custom, the ceremony begins at dawn."

Related Terms

• Accordance: The state of agreeing or conforming.
• According to plan: In the way that was intended.
• Per: For each; according to.
• In line with: Consistent or in agreement with.
• As stated by: Introduces a source or authority.

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• As stated or reported by – introducing the source of information.
  • Example: "According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow."
• In agreement with – indicating conformity or compliance.
  • Example: "Rules must be enforced according to company policy."
• In proportion to – expressing a relationship of scale or ratio.
  • Example: "Rewards are allocated according to performance."