Reading Theme:
Account Verb: Two Key Meanings, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：make up (account)
account
/əˈkaʊnt/
v.
To make up or form a particular amount or part of something.
make up
➕
/meɪk ʌp/
v.
To constitute or form a specified proportion of a whole.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'computare' via Old French 'acompter'. 'Ac-' (to) + 'count' (to count, compute).
💡 Mnemonic
To ACCOUNT is to Add COUNTs: either numbers (to form a part) or reasons (to explain).
📖 Example
Renewable energy sources now account for nearly one-third of the country's electricity.
Renewable energy sources now make up nearly one-third of the country's electricity.
🔗 Collocations
account for – To be the reason for or constitute a part of something.
account for a large percentage – To constitute a significant portion.
account for the difference – To explain or be the reason for the discrepancy.
🔄 Synonyms
constitute (v.) – To be a part of a whole, to form or compose.
comprise (v.) – To consist of, to be made up of.
represent (v.) – To constitute a particular amount or proportion.
🚫 Antonyms
exclude (v.) – To leave out, to not include as a part.
🌱 Derivatives
accounting (n.) – The process of recording, summarizing, and reporting financial transactions.
accountable (adj.) – Required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible.
accountant (n.) – A professional who performs accounting tasks.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'computare' (to calculate), entering English via Old French. The concept of 'counting' money evolved into modern financial 'accounting' and broader senses of explanation and proportion.
Meaning 2：explain (account)
account
/əˈkaʊnt/
v.
To give a reason or explanation for something.
explain
➕
/ɪkˈspleɪn/
v.
To provide a reason or justification for one's actions or a situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She had to account for her absence from the party, so she told everyone she was feeling unwell.
She had to explain her absence from the party, so she told everyone she was feeling unwell.
🔗 Collocations
be held to account – To be required to explain and take responsibility for one's actions.
account for oneself – To explain one's actions or decisions.
call someone to account – To demand an explanation from someone.
🔄 Synonyms
explain (v.) – To make something clear or understandable by describing it.
justify (v.) – To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
answer for (v.) – To be held responsible for; to explain or justify.
🚫 Antonyms
conceal (v.) – To keep something secret, to not give an explanation.
🌱 Derivatives
accountability (n.) – The state of being responsible and answerable for one's actions.
Wordbook
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