account1 nounaccount2 verb
accountac‧count1 /əˈkaʊnt/ ●●● S1 W1 noun [countable] 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Her account of the events of that day was wildly different from the first witness's.
- I'd like to deposit this check into my account.
- In the magazine, Cook gives a colorful account of his first meeting with Hamilton.
- Pheifer manages several accounts for the ad agency.
- So far no linguist has given us a satisfactory account of how children learn language.
- The newspaper printed a detailed account of the trial.
- There were several different accounts of the story in the newspapers.
- We charged the sofa to our Macy's account.
- Cureton has provided a theoretical account of our intuitions about rhythm.
- Elephants, by all accounts, were pretty strong too.
- It seeks to take account of the facts.
- Mere discriminations on account of race or color were not regarded as badges of slavery.
- Senior Labor politician Tony Benn has been publishing diary installments for decades, providing a vivid account of Parliament.
- Surkov had repeated for my benefit his account of the submarine commander, poised to unleash destruction on London.
- The others had nasty accounts of their interviews.
- This natural sequence of events is frequently obscured when the condition is treated without taking the constitution into account.
THESAURUS
a written or spoken description that says what happens in an event or process: · He provided the police with a detailed account of what he saw.
something you say or write that gives details about what something or someone is like: · The report gave a brief description of the problem.
an account of something that has happened which may not be true – used especially when people are telling each other about something: · I don’t think he was honest enough to tell us the full story.· Her parents did not believe her story.
a written or spoken account of a situation or event, giving people the information they need, especially after studying something as part of your job: · The UN will issue a report on the incident.· Initial police reports suggest she was murdered.
a particular person’s account of an event, which is different from the account that another person gives: · Her version of events has been contradicted by other witnesses.
Longman Language Activatorwhat you say when you are advising someone spoken · You should go to the doctor with that cough.· I think you should stay here until you've sobered up.· That new restaurant's great -- you really ought to try it.· Do you know what you ought to do? You ought to tell her exactly what you think of her.
spoken say this when you are giving someone friendly advice: · I wouldn't do that if I were you.· Here's your money -- if I were you I'd put it in the bank right now.
spoken say this when you are advising someone how to do something in a better way: · The ferry takes about eight hours! You'd be better off going by plane.· I think you'd be better off using a knife rather than scissors for that job.
spoken say this when you think that someone should do something because you know from your own experience how unpleasant or difficult something can be: · Take my advice - don't go into teaching unless you're absolutely committed.· Divorces are a nightmare. Take my advice and stay single.
spoken say this when you are telling someone that they should trust the advice you are giving them because it is based on your personal experience: · Take it from me, you'll regret it if you waste your time at school.· Love affairs with colleagues never work out -- take it from me.
especially written use this when you are strongly advising someone to do something, especially because they may have trouble if they do not do it: · Before your interview you'd be well advised to have another look at what you put on the application form.· There are parts of Detroit you'd be well advised to avoid.
formal use this when you are strongly advising someone not to do something because it would be dangerous or stupid: · On no account should you attempt this exercise if you're pregnant.not on any account: · You shouldn't sign the contract unless you are sure you understand it. Not on any account.
spoken say this when you do not want someone to make a mistake, for example by forgetting to do something or losing something: · Make sure that you take your passport.· Make sure you lock all the doors and windows at night.
spoken say this when you are telling someone what you think the best way of dealing with a particular situation is, based on your own experience: · The best thing is to just ignore her. She'll soon take the hint.
spoken say this especially when you are warning someone to be careful about something: · A word of advice: when you're at the interview don't mention that you used to work in a bar.
dressed, arranged, decorated etc in a beautiful way use this when you are explaining the reason why something happens or why you do something : · She's in a bad mood because her father won't let her go to the party tonight.· "This photograph doesn't look like you." "That's because it isn't me - it's my sister".· Because you've done such a good job, I'm giving everyone a 10% bonus.just because (=used when you think an explanation is not a good enough reason for something): · You mean you dumped him just because he forgot your birthday?simply because (=used when there is a very simple reason for something): · We're not going on holiday this year, simply because we can't afford it.because of something: · I had to move because of my job.· Because of the increase in street crime, many old people are afraid to leave their homes.
also as British use this to give the reason why someone decides to do something: · We had planned to play tennis but since it was raining we decided to go swimming instead.· Since you're going to be in the area anyway, you can pick up the order for me.· As he wasn't well, I offered to do the shopping.
formal used especially in official statements to explain what causes a particular problem: · Our flight was delayed due to poor weather conditions.· Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform customers that this store will close early.· In the end I was unable to attend the conference, owing to financial difficulties.be due to: · The accident was due to a concrete block thrown from a bridge.
use this to explain that something has been possible because of someone's actions or because something is very good, very effective etc: · Today thanks to the Internet, you can do all your Christmas shopping from home.· The play was a great success thanks to the effort and commitment of everyone involved.
use this when you are explaining what made something happen, especially something unpleasant: · Many people are now homeless as a result of the civil war.as a direct result of: · Mr Logan died as a direct result of the injuries he received in the accident.
use this when you are explaining something carefully, especially when you have been asked to explain why something happened: · The reason we didn't consider her for the job was that she didn't have enough experience.· The reason we are here this evening is to say thank you to Brian for all his hard work.
use this when you are explaining why someone or something has succeeded or failed: · We succeeded through sheer hard work.· Hundreds of working days have been lost this year through illness.· The Community Association collapsed through lack of support.
use this when someone does something because of a particular feeling: out of interest/curiosity/desperation etc: · She opened the letter, just out of curiosity.· I came to you out of desperation - you've got to help me.
use this when you want to give the reason why something is necessary, impossible, or true: · We had to move to London on account of my job.· They're called the Black Hills on account of their color.
spoken informal use this to give a reason for what you are suggesting or deciding: · Seeing as it's your birthday, why don't we go out for a meal?· I'd better do it myself, seeing as no one else wants to do it.
a written or spoken description what you say or write when you are describing a person, place, or thing: description of: · Write a description of someone you know well.give somebody a description: · Tom gave the police a description of his car.a full/detailed description (=containing all the important details): · You can read a detailed description of the products on their Web site.
a description of a situation or event, based on a study of the facts, that provides people with information about it and also tries to explain it: · The report is based on visits to schools in five cities.report on: · Amnesty International released another report on the government's use of torture.newspaper/news/television report: · News reports suggest that over 300 people may have died.
a written or spoken description of something that happened: account of: · The newspaper printed a detailed account of the trial.give an account: · In the magazine, Cook gives a colorful account of his first meeting with Hamilton.
a spoken description of an event such as a race or sports event which is given while it is happening, especially on the radio or television: · Joe Garagiola will provide the commentary tonight on Channel 7.commentary on: · Now let's go over to our London studio for commentary on the wrestling.running commentary (=a continuous commentary all the time that something is happening): · Sarah was looking out the window and giving us a running commentary on what was happening in the street.
a description of a person, thing, place etc that deliberately chooses particular details about them in order to make people form a particular opinion about them, especially a bad opinion: portrayal of: · Many have criticized Hollywood for its unrealistic portrayal of life in America.portrayal of somebody/something as: · I cannot accept the article's portrayal of these men as bloodthirsty terrorists.
a piece of writing that is descriptive contains a lot of details describing what someone or something is like, rather than telling a story or describing events: · The book contains many fine descriptive passages about everyday life in China.· When you write your paragraph, include as many descriptive details as possible.
a short description of someone's life, work, and character, especially of someone famous, that is written in a newspaper, shown on television etc: profile of: · Every week the magazine presents the profile of a well-known sports personality.· I heard a fascinating profile of Madeleine Albright on the radio yesterday.
to describe someone or something to talk or write about a person, place, event etc, saying what they are like and giving details about them: · Could you try and describe the man you saw?· In her book, she describes her journey across the Sahara.describe somebody/something as: · Police described the attack as particularly violent.describe somebody/something to somebody: · I tried to describe the feeling to my doctor, but she didn't understand.describe how/what: · It's difficult to describe how I felt.
to describe someone or something, especially by giving details about what they look like: · King gave a detailed description of a dark-haired muscular man to police.· The brochure gives a general description of the island and some of the things you can do there.
to describe something that you have seen or experienced by talking to people about it: · Grandma always talks about the way they used to live on the farm.· You should talk about your problems with someone - maybe they can help you.
to describe a person, place, event, situation etc by writing about it: · Have the children write about what they did last summer.· Purcell wrote about his son's illness for a popular magazine.
spoken use this when you are asking someone to describe someone or something to you or when you are describing someone or something to them: · "I've just met Anna's new boyfriend." "What's he like?"· I'll try and explain to you what being in prison was like.
to describe something that happened, giving only the facts and not adding your own feelings or opinions: · Please give a brief account of your previous work experience.· The second witness gave a similar account of what happened.
written to describe an event, situation etc, especially as though it was a story, in order to make it sound more exciting or impressive: · Many of the prisoners have told of the terrible conditions they were kept in and how they were beaten.tell somebody of: · In the evenings Morris would tell us of his youth spent in Europe.
with a lot of details a detailed description, explanation, picture etc contains a lot of details: · The police have issued a detailed description of the man they are looking for.· Do you have a more detailed map of the area?· Her biography is clear, detailed, and illuminating.
if you discuss or consider something in detail , you discuss or consider all the details: · I haven't had time to look at the plans in detail yet.in more/greater detail: · This problem is discussed in more detail in Chapter 7.in great detail: · Fortunately, she was able to describe her attacker in great detail.in some detail: · The layout of the house had been described to me in some detail.
carefully produced and full of details: · The diaries have been published in one volume, with elaborate biographical notes by Professor Emson.· The lawyer had concocted an elaborate defence that gave a totally false impression of what happened.an elaborate excuse: · She had prepared an elaborate excuse for her absence.
to include a lot of details when you are describing or explaining something: · Without going into detail, I can tell you that we have had a very successful year.· Be brief. If you go into too much detail people will get bored.· Chapter 1 is a brief outline of the process, then the next chapter goes into all the technical details.
to state something exactly and with full details, so that what you want, what must be done etc is completely clear: · The order specifies a December deadline for completion of the work.specify that: · The rules clearly specify that competitors are not allowed to accept payment.specify which/where/ how etc: · Architects usually specify which particular hardwood they want to use.
a full and detailed description of an event, in which everything that happened is described in correct order - use this especially when you want to say that this is boring and unnecessary: · His memoirs are simply a blow-by-blow account of battles, and contain very little personal comment or reflection.
thorough, and giving as much detail as possible: · The committee has ordered an in-depth study of juvenile crime.· We shall be conducting a series of in-depth interviews with economic experts.· The aim of the neighbourhood studies was to obtain in-depth information from a number of selected communities.
the words you write or say to explain something something that you say or write in order to make something clearer or to explain why something happened: · Each diagram is followed by a simple explanation.explanation for: · What was their explanation for their decision?explanation of: · Our guide gave us a detailed explanation of the system of government.give/offer (somebody) an explanation: · Can you give us a quick explanation of how it works?· She offered no explanation as to why she had left so suddenly.
written or spoken information that explains exactly how to do something: · Read the instructions carefully before using the machine.· The cooking instructions are on the back of the box.give (somebody) instructions: · They gave us detailed instructions explaining how to get to their house.follow instructions (=do what they tell you): · if you had followed my instructions, none of this would have happened.
a detailed description of a process which also explains how it happens and what makes it possible: account of: · So far no linguist has given us a satisfactory account of how children learn language.· Her account of the events of that day was wildly different from the first witness's.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
a balanced account of what happened I’d like to open a bank account. Several people gave competing accounts of the accident. He was unable to give a credible explanation for his behaviour. Her excuse was barely credible. a detailed study of crime in Seattle According to eyewitness accounts, soldiers opened fire on the crowd. He gave a disturbing account of the murder. a moving account of his childhood in Ireland the company’s accounts receivable (=sales that have been made but not yet paid for) second-hand accounts of mass killings a verbatim account of our conversationCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Marshall gave the police his account of how the fight started.
· Freud has provided an account of the human psyche’s stages of development.
· He later wrote an account of his experiences during the war.
· Have you read his account of the journey?
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + account· She gave me a detailed account of what happened at the meeting.
· It is not possible to give a full account of what we discussed.
· What follows is a short account of the legal procedure.
· The class were asked to write a brief account of their holidays.
· I’ve tried to write a clear account of the incident.
· Both newspapers gave fairly accurate accounts of what had happened.
· The book is a true account of his life and death.
(=very detailed)· Rosemary gave me a blow-by-blow account of their trip.
(=very clear with a lot of details, especially unpleasant details)· He wrote a graphic account of his time in jail.
(=so clear that it seems real or like real life)· I read a vivid account of his experiences in Egypt.
(=an account of an event, given by the person who saw it happen)· an eye-witness account of the attack
(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
(=different accounts of the same event, that cannot both be true)· There were conflicting accounts of what actually happened.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a balanced account of what happened· How much do you have in your bank account at the moment?
I’d like to open a bank account. Several people gave competing accounts of the accident.· He wrote a fairly comprehensive account of the islands at that time.
· When questioned, the boys gave conflicting accounts of what they were doing that night.
He was unable to give a credible explanation for his behaviour. Her excuse was barely credible. a detailed study of crime in Seattle (=form a particular part of a total)· Exports currently account for 37% of sales.
According to eyewitness accounts, soldiers opened fire on the crowd. (=to consider factors when making a decision)· You should take all these factors into account.
He gave a disturbing account of the murder. a moving account of his childhood in Ireland the company’s accounts receivable (=sales that have been made but not yet paid for) second-hand accounts of mass killings a verbatim account of our conversation· Stripped to its basics, this is a current account with the mortgage bolted on as a huge overdraft.· Therefore it can either be seen as Susan's capital or as a current account balance due to Susan.· Reports 1 Treasurer Current account £338.90.· The organisation was set up to deal with balance of payments and current account problems, when countries go heavily into debt.· Investment account £4335.70, current account £374.09.· The most familiar form of sight deposit are current accounts at banks.· A recent development with current accounts has been the introduction of debit cards.
· No attempt will be made to give a detailed account and appraisal of logic here.· We know which those passages were from detailed accounts of the Council events.· C, D and E all use a detailed account of the fighting under Æthelred apparently composed between 1016 and 1023.· The goal of this project is to develop a detailed account of how anaphors are interpreted.· A more detailed account of the methods used to implement the Survey is given in the Appendix.· Write a detailed account of what happened during that period of the activity.· Betts and Hargrave give a detailed account of what has been achieved in one county.· We wanted both detailed accounts and subjective interpretations, and we were given both.
· This opportunity to file or publish modified accounts does not limit the requirement to prepare full accounts for the shareholders.· But a fuller account for whom?· But a full account will need to supplement the Woolf diagnosis, as we shall see.· Efficiency should mean taking into full account the quality of services, including their ability to develop in response to unmet needs.· And Caroline Strong gives a full account of the innocence and sadness of a loser who eventually wins.· Again, no full account of a formation can be given without attending to individual differences inside it.· The full legendary account of the battle is as follows.· Above £25,000, full accounts will be required.
NOUN· Now the payments will go into the Universal Bank accounts, but can be collected over the counter at post offices.· Intensive searches failed to find any sign of her, and her bank accounts and credit cards became inactive.· Hidden charges on bank accounts are not helpful to anyone trying to see what is happening to their money.· Now you too may be able to afford a status symbol formerly reserved to the rich: no bank account.· She also wanted to retain her own surname, separate bank accounts and tax returns.· And those with bank accounts are more likely than others - though not exclusively - to get bank loans.· Bankrupts are not allowed to open new bank accounts, though they you may have building society accounts.· Our rent, in pounds sterling, was to be sent monthly to Mrs Puri's bank account in deepest Ludhiana.
· Second, it attracts hot money into the country to finance the current account deficit because investors perceive no currency risk.· For a current account deficit on the balance of payments reflects a shortage of national savings, in relation to investment.· The truth of the matter is that the current account deficit is a touchstone for the success of the Thatcher revolution.· Mr Lawson is in danger of striking the market as complacent about the current account deficit.· The current account deficit has steadily expanded since August, when it narrowed to A $ 1. 4 billion.
· The simplest option is to build up a lump sum in an ordinary deposit account.· During the retention period the money should be held in a deposit account.· The Toisa offered by Bristol & West is a guaranteed equity bond rather than a deposit account.· Rates on the London Deposit account are unchanged.· She made a mental note to rifle her deposit account to buy a new one.· If this is between one and four years he suggested the safest route is a simple building society deposit account.· This can be done, for example, if the company acquires a source of income, such as opening a bank deposit account.· He also opened a gold deposit account and at one stage paid in a lot of money.
· The benefits considered least important were the amount of holiday and an expense account.· See if you can put it on an expense account.· So they can come with time off work and probably on an expense account, even to a far-flung location.· Things have also changed for the employee who receives an expense account.· Well, it's all on the expense account: insurance.· They will hit the top earner, the energy-guzzler, the expense account holder, harder than anyone.· You gain a whole new sense of financial responsibility the moment you leave the corporate expense account behind.
· Any loss arising should be charged in the profit and loss account.· How do debtors affect the profit and loss account?· The directors recommend that £9,239,000 be transferred to the profit and loss account as set out in note 19 on page 41.· The minority interest charge in the consolidated profit and loss account was £184,000.· It provides insights into the purposes of balance sheets, profit and loss accounts and methods of costing projects and production.· Typically an Information memorandum would include three years historic profit and loss accounts and balance sheets.· Are losses being taken and shown on the profit and loss account or balance sheet?· Based upon your decisions, draw up a profit and loss account for 1990 using the information above.
· Within that you can then write what may be a third party account number.· Once the software is loaded and the user sends his or her bank account number, writing checks takes only seconds.· In his head was the account number at the Credit Bank of Zurich.· After purchasing a card from a vendor or through the mail, customers scratch off the surface to reveal their account number.· Members may not put a second account number on a card.· Your overseas customer will need to provide the bank which is sending the payment with details of your branch and account number.· The easiest way to find the record you want is to identify each record with a number, like an account number.· Each officer had an account number which could be used in any of the firm's branches.
VERB· But a rapid overview is in order, to make the detailed account easier to follow.· Persons interested in becoming financial managers should enjoy working independently, dealing with people, and analyzing detailed account information.· Lastly John, the longest and most detailed account of all.· Peter listened intently as Manion gave him a detailed account of the conversation.· Up to this point, Garland has written a taut, finely detailed account of his wanderers.· In addition, anyone injured on the job must submit a much more detailed account of the accident than was previously required.
· It also fails to take into account the fact that a large number of men were familiar with court proceedings.· Of course, if all efforts fail and the account can not pay, then goodwill is not particularly important.· Nor was there any evidence that the inspector had failed to take account of the likely costs of compliance.· In particular, it fails to take account of its cross-equation restrictions.· The argument is nonsense because it fails to take into account the way women are treated as a matter of course.· It fails to take account of the diminishing force of the Liberal Party.
· Alas, there is no space to give a proper account of the thoughts of these great minds.· It gives a better account of all the relevant facts, and is thus the preferable hypothesis.· Hume gives an elaborate account of the psychology of moral feeling.· Or that a reporter gave a flagrantly biased account?· Both newspapers gave fairly accurate accounts of what had happened the night before last.· Court documents give this account: The day after the shootings, Osborn met Blums in a park.· Lakatos gives a fairly detailed account of Bohr's theory of the atom as another convincing example.· That is, he can attribute beliefs, desires, intentions, and so forth in giving a simpler account of a complex matter.
· To open an account, children need just £1.· Everyone who could simply had to open a checking account and a savings account.· Only £1 is needed to open an account.· Our friend Joan strolls into the bank and plops down $ 100 to open an account.· The band will need to open a bank account, if they haven't done so already.· All you need to open the account is £1 and every six months interest is added to your account.· She taught People how to use public transportation, how to open a bank account and other practical skills.
· It cut the deposit rate it pays on large fixed accounts while concurrently increasing the rates it pays on smaller accounts.· In many cases, higher rates apply for those holders who do not pay their accounts by direct debit.· It cut the deposit rate it pays on large fixed accounts while concurrently increasing the rates it pays on smaller accounts.· Be reasoned Give your debtor a better reason for paying his account than for not paying it, such as: 1.· We pay all our accounts at the end of the month.· Finally comes settlement, but don't count on this to pay your accounts at the end of the month.· The bank dropped the interest paid on its current account from 4.88 per cent to 4.59 per cent.
· The author has presented a most readable account which is both educational and entertaining, and in places exciting.· Instead they present a systematic account of just where Freudian theory fails.· In this chapter I want to present some personal accounts by women criminals.· For this reason we will present a narrative account of ten consecutive one-century runs, just as they came off the computer.· As a consequence, a large cheque which was presented against my account was returned unpaid.· Books which present a fair account of corruption have a defence denied to glossy propaganda.· Management will therefore need to be able to have sufficient information to present an accurate account to the media.· The drawback with equal partial allocation is that it presents a rather arbitrary account of events.
· In Britain two examples of cohort studies provide descriptive accounts of patterns of infant care in urban communities.· The remarks in this section only sketch out a province for which a proper theory of discourse deixis might provide an account.· Senior Labor politician Tony Benn has been publishing diary installments for decades, providing a vivid account of Parliament.· In addition, the model provides no account of how pronounceable non-words are read aloud, nor of how context influences word identification.· First, they provide financing of accounts receivable for borrowing firms.· Patsy Stoneman provides a brilliant intertextual account of Wuthering Heights.· The fact that it aims to provide a systematic account of time use is what distinguishes it from the literary diary.
· Schellenberg settled the account and they went outside.· It will be an uneasy settling of accounts.· The line through 501 indicates that Mr R. James departed after lunch settling his account of £80.15 by Access credit card.· I merely called to settle Elise's account.· A note on discount Cash discounts A supplier may offer a cash discount to a retailer who settles his account promptly.· Anyone settling their account within twelve months had half the commission returned.
· Existing models of global warming have not taken this into account, according to Cox.· This Spotlight describes the process of tapping into parents' views and of taking account of these.· But this doesn't take into account the capital equipment you need if you're to be self-sufficient.· The average Westerner fails to take into account the fact that there are so many weak points on the human body.· One of the difficulties facing archives is the need to take account of the diverse needs of different users.· All of which needs to be taken into account when assessing my brilliance that summer.· He knocked one year off a full 10-year term to take account of the strain on Christie of a second hearing.
· David Thomas is writing an account of the activities of the Gulbenkian Foundation's social welfare programme between 1964 and 1990.· Several pioneering journalists had taken this step and then paid the bill by writing self-congratulatory accounts of their daring.· Perhaps some one should write her account: yes, why not reconstruct Louise Colet's Version?· There is no written account of the intentions of a carver or painter of the ancient Black Virgins.· After all, it's difficult for anyone to write a clear account of an incident that is traumatic and embarrassing.· Bearing in mind what you know about them now, write a brief account of your first meeting.· Stirling wrote his account of the affair and a refutation which was published in the regimental journal.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► on account► on somebody’s account► on that account/on this accountPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a blow-by-blow account/description etc► charge something to somebody’s account/room etc► close an account
1description a written or spoken description that says what happens in an event or processaccount of- By all accounts, Garcia was an excellent manager.
- Astor was a shy, austere and, by all accounts, unlovable man.
- But Alice was the only one of the Pritchetts who had, from all accounts, risen above her station in life.
- Caligula was degenerate but, by all accounts, did not deign to hide the fact.
- Elephants, by all accounts, were pretty strong too.
- Now there's Dan Crawley in hospital with the pneumonia, and poor Jenny is penniless by all accounts.
- Shaughnessy was a heroic figure-a brilliant writer and by all accounts a splendid teacher and leader.
- She was calculating and ambitious, and by all accounts at least a competent journalist.
- The original building was, by all accounts, demolished when St. John's railway station was constructed on its present site.
- Carrie decided to do a little research on her own account.
- Although his ministers were never permitted to decide matters on their own account, Victor Amadeus delegated wide administrative powers to them.
- But if the operators are set against discounting it will not prevent the agencies from doing some on their own account.
- He advanced large sums to Parliament and later invested heavily on his own account in the purchase of bishops' lands.
- He was going to miss old Mr Schofield and he was disappointed on his own account too.
- In 1862 Smith set up in business on his own account.
- The company imposed regulations on its members, but individuals still traded on their own account.
- They may not set up in practice on their own account for a further three years.
- On no account should you attempt this exercise if you're pregnant.
- You shouldn't sign the contract unless you are sure you understand it. Not on any account.
- But, by his own account, he agreed he would speak to the Shah if they too would do so.
- Do the math: Some 2, 250 shows by his own account.
- This was the type of man he was looking for and, by his own account, not infrequently found.
- When he was young and full of the new learning of Oxford and Cambridge he appears arrogant even by his own account.
- Cooper gave a good account of himself in the fight.
- Sussex's Wood gave a good account of herself and should have claimed the second set.
- Thirteen-year-old Patsy, who could always give a good account of herself, looked upset.
- Though it gave a good account of itself, Dave gently persuaded the fish close enough to be lifted aboard the boat.
- The people responsible for the accident must be brought to account.
- But when it was over, Cronin called me to account.
- Inevitably, Whitney and the board called him to account.
- It is a summary remedy which should enable a person in default to be brought swiftly to account.
- Promotion panels, search committees, nominating bodies, nobody calls them to account.
- The debate is intended to bring the Government to account.
- The extra time was turned to good account.
- Gelbspan's speech was of no account.
- As she grew up, her father had been of no account to her.
- Charles Coffin continues: The cavalry of the Army of the Potomac had been of little account.
- Epictetus' magic wand can make poverty of no account.
- In a transforming instant, the est intellectual truth is seen to be that intellectual truth is of no account.
- It was of no account to Vinoba Bhave a Brahmin, whether the man before him was a Brahmin or an outcaste.
- There was a war on and such emotional family matters were really of no account.
- Yet this self-protective brand of public service was of no account to the Lordly Phantasms.
- You are a mere picture editor, a workman, whose views on editorial staff are of no account.
- These figures do not take account of changes in the rate of inflation.
- A valuation of a smaller company must take account of its potential as a takeover target.
- I trust that he will take account of the road safety dangers that are inherent in his policy.
- If this affects you, the enclosed Renewal Notice takes account of the new rates.
- Indeed most providers would now claim that they do take account of the wider population.
- Like the poll tax, the council tax would also take account of the number of adults in each household.
- Organisational house style - it is anticipated that each centre will devise a suitable house style which takes account of keyboarding conventions.
- That identity will take account of the traditional positions of certain member states.
- The number of staff on leave at any one time Should take account of the building programme.
- Games are often canceled on account of rain.
- But only on account of the smooth running of the business, she realised.
- Could this be on account of the incongruity between their neurons and mine?
- I studied her carefully on account of my special relationship with her son, Sylvester.
- Mere discriminations on account of race or color were not regarded as badges of slavery.
- Some sectors, moreover, lagged behind completely, by force of circumstances or on account of reluctance to abandon traditional ways.
- Today our hair is very red on account of the rain that is threatening us.
- The accounts for last year showed a profit of $2 million.
- And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
- At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
- Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
- International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
- It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
- Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
- Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
- This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
- I had had nothing but glowing reports from her teacher.
- In return for this hospitality, all they have to do is write a glowing report of their experience.
- Most performers can read ten glowing reports and one bad, and only remember the nasty one.
- Our son's achievement level soared and at the end of the school year he received a glowing report from his teachers.
- These pretentious phrases and glowing descriptions also have a resonance for our time.
- These proved very successful and a glowing report came from the Establishment.
- A relaxed regime of visiting the lavatory after each main meal and at bedtime is established with the parents keeping a record.
- Each day we are to keep a diary.
- I must keep records that prove I do all this.
- One research team keeps a record of which computers are attached to the network at any time.
- Only one in five departments is believed to keep a record of abuse of adults or the elderly.
- There was a chart on the wall that gave some measure of this by keeping a record of math and spelling grades.
- Tish intends to do some drawing, but is too intent on keeping a diary.
- A similar procedure is followed for all other open accounts.
- Instead, they buy these items on open account from their suppliers on whatever credit terms are available.
- Now such sales are on open account and paid mainly by cheque.
- Only £1 is needed to open an account.
- Only those people who live near by are allowed to open accounts.
- Our friend Joan strolls into the bank and plops down $ 100 to open an account.
- Roosevelt Principal Mike Price opened an account, and the checks went directly to the bank.
- To open an account, children need just £1.
- Boudjema believes that the opposition parties are settling a score with the Socialist government and using the schoolgirls as a scapegoat.
- Schiavo certainly deserves no credit for scaring people needlessly just to settle a score.
He was too shocked to give an account of what had happened.blow-by-blow account (=a description of all the details of an event in the order that they happened) a blow-by-blow account of how England lost to Portugal Chomsky’s account of how children learn their first languageeye-witness/first-hand account (=a description of events by someone who saw them) Eye-witness accounts told of the unprovoked shooting of civilians. This gives a first-hand account of the war.2at a bank (written abbreviation a/c or acct.) an arrangement in which a bank keeps your money safe so that you can pay more in or take money out: My salary is paid into my bank account. I’ve opened an account with Barclay’s Bank. My husband and I have a joint account (=one that is shared between two people). → bank account, checking account, current account, deposit account, profit and loss account, savings account3take account of something (also take something into account) to consider or include particular facts or details when making a decision or judgment about something: These figures do not take account of changes in the rate of inflation.GRAMMARYou say: · We will take your views into account. ✗Don’t say: We will take your views in account.4on account of something because of something else, especially a problem or difficulty: She was told to wear flat shoes, on account of her back problem.5accounts a)[plural] an exact record of the money that a company has received and the money it has spent: The accounts for last year showed a profit of $2 million. b)[uncountable] a department in a company that is responsible for keeping records of the amount of money spent and received: Eileen works in accounts.6on account if you buy goods on account, you take them away with you and pay for them later7with a shop/company an arrangement that you have with a shop or company, which allows you to buy goods or use a service now and pay for them later SYN credit account: Can you charge this to my account please? an unlimited-use Internet account8bill a statement that shows how much money you owe for things you have bought from a shop SYN billpay/settle your account (=pay what you owe) James left the restaurant, settling his account by credit card.9arrangement to sell goods an arrangement to sell goods and services to another company over a period of time: Our sales manager has secured several big accounts recently.10by/from all accounts according to what a lot of people say: It has, from all accounts, been a successful marriage.11on somebody’s account if you do something on someone’s account, you do it because you think they want you to: Please don’t change your plans on my account.12on your own account by yourself or for yourself: Carrie decided to do a little research on her own account.13on no account/not on any account used when saying that someone must not, for any reason, do something: On no account must you disturb me.14by somebody’s own account according to what you have said, especially when you have admitted doing something wrong: Bentley was, by his own account, over-sensitive to criticism.15on that account/on this account concerning a particular situation: There needn’t be any more worries on that account.16give a good/poor account of yourself to do something or perform very well or very badly: Kevin gave a good account of himself in today’s game.17bring/call somebody to account formal to force someone who is responsible for a mistake or a crime to explain publicly why they did it and punish them for it if necessary: The people responsible for the accident have never been brought to account.18put/turn something to good account formal to use something for a good purpose: Perhaps she could put some of her talents to good account by helping us.19of no/little account formal not important: As she grew up, her father was of no account to her.COLLOCATIONSverbsgive an account· Marshall gave the police his account of how the fight started.provide an account· Freud has provided an account of the human psyche’s stages of development.write an account· He later wrote an account of his experiences during the war.read an account· Have you read his account of the journey?ADJECTIVES/NOUN + accounta detailed account· She gave me a detailed account of what happened at the meeting.a full account· It is not possible to give a full account of what we discussed.a short account· What follows is a short account of the legal procedure.a brief account· The class were asked to write a brief account of their holidays.a clear account· I’ve tried to write a clear account of the incident.an accurate account· Both newspapers gave fairly accurate accounts of what had happened.a true account· The book is a true account of his life and death.a blow-by-blow account (=very detailed)· Rosemary gave me a blow-by-blow account of their trip.a graphic account (=very clear with a lot of details, especially unpleasant details)· He wrote a graphic account of his time in jail.a vivid account (=so clear that it seems real or like real life)· I read a vivid account of his experiences in Egypt.an eye-witness account (=an account of an event, given by the person who saw it happen)· an eye-witness account of the attacka first-hand account (=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee campsconflicting accounts (=different accounts of the same event, that cannot both be true)· There were conflicting accounts of what actually happened.THESAURUSaccount a written or spoken description that says what happens in an event or process: · He provided the police with a detailed account of what he saw.description something you say or write that gives details about what something or someone is like: · The report gave a brief description of the problem.story an account of something that has happened which may not be true – used especially when people are telling each other about something: · I don’t think he was honest enough to tell us the full story.· Her parents did not believe her story.report a written or spoken account of a situation or event, giving people the information they need, especially after studying something as part of your job: · The UN will issue a report on the incident.· Initial police reports suggest she was murdered.version a particular person’s account of an event, which is different from the account that another person gives: · Her version of events has been contradicted by other witnesses.account1 nounaccount2 verb
accountaccount2 ●●○ S3 W3 verb WORD ORIGINaccount2
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French acompter, from compter ‘to count’VERB TABLE
account
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | account |
| he, she, it | accounts | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | accounted |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have accounted |
| he, she, it | has accounted | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had accounted |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will account |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have accounted |
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- It is often the negative power I perceive within myself that is so difficult to account for, or control.
- It reported that drivers' spinning of the radio dial accounted for far more crashes.
- So what accounts for the enduring appeal of wild animal patterns?
- The gender split has also narrowed, with females accounting for 46 per cent of Internet users.
- The limestone was deposited in very quiet water conditions, which accounts for the preservation of this delicate little fossil.
- The new approach attempts to account for non-value-added costs separate from value-added costs.
- Unless very few ladies account for most male conquests, that suggests we all bend the truth.
Longman Language Activatorto form a particular part or amount of something
to be a particular amount or part of something: · In Japan, firms employing over 1000 people accounted for 50% of total employment.· This project alone represents half of the department's budget.· Women now represent 48% of the workforce.
to be a particular part of something - use this especially to talk about scientific or official facts and figures: · Children constitute four out of every ten poor people in the United States.· Nitrogen constitutes 78% of the earth's atmosphere.
to tell someone the reason for something to tell someone why something happened: · I knew she was annoyed, but she wouldn't say why.· Can anyone tell us why there are no buses today?
to tell someone the reason for something, so that they understand the situation better: · She just doesn't like me. How else can you explain her behaviour?· I don't have time to explain now - just come with me quickly!explain why/how/what etc: · Doctors are unable to explain why the disease spread so quickly.explain that: · Sarah explained that she hadn't been feeling well recently.explain to: · It was difficult explaining to the children why their father was leaving home.
to tell someone why you are doing something, especially something surprising: · "He says he's not coming." "Oh, did he give a reason?"give somebody a reason: · The landlord told us we had to go, but we were never given any reason.
to tell someone the reason for something that has happened, especially when people are looking for a reason to explain it: · If you walked home, how do you account for the fact that a witness said he saw you driving your van?· It is difficult to account for the big differences in their scores.
to tell someone the reason why something happened when they have asked you to explain. Provide an explanation is more formal than come up with an explanation: · In an attempt to provide an explanation she said she thought I had given her permission to be absent.· After failing to come up with an adequate explanation, Jones was arrested for robbery.
to tell someone why something that seems wrong is in fact right: · How can you justify the expense?justify doing something: · How can you possibly justify charging four pounds for a glass of beer?
to tell someone the reason why you did something or why something happened, with the intention of making them think you have not done anything wrong or bad: explain away something: · George was trying to explain away his outburst, saying that he'd been under a lot of pressure.· The government tried to explain away the police's unexpected brutality, but this only led to rioting.explain something away: · But there's broken glass all over the floor - how are we going to explain that away?
to be the reason why something happened or why someone does something to be the reason why something happened or why someone did something: be the reason for/behind: · Nick's teachers think that problems at home are the reason for his poor schoolwork.be the reason why: · He borrowed too much money, and that's the reason why his business failed.be the reason (that): · I knew that I had my weaknesses. Perhaps that is the reason that I was not more successful.
if a fact or situation explains something, it helps you to understand why it happened: · We were all puzzled: what could explain his sudden change of mind?explain why/what/how: · She couldn't sleep last night, which explains why she was in such a bad mood this morning.
formal to be the reason that explains why something strange or surprising happened: · If it's true that he was taking drugs, that would account for his strange behaviour.
to be someone's personal reason for doing something: · Not all people are motivated by self-interest.motivate somebody to do something: · It's frustration that motivates babies to learn to walk.
to be the secret or hidden reason for someone's action or behaviour: · I wonder what lies behind Arthur's sudden interest in golf?· I think that behind Tania's aggression lay a deep insecurity about herself.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a balanced account of what happened I’d like to open a bank account. Several people gave competing accounts of the accident. He was unable to give a credible explanation for his behaviour. Her excuse was barely credible. a detailed study of crime in Seattle According to eyewitness accounts, soldiers opened fire on the crowd. He gave a disturbing account of the murder. a moving account of his childhood in Ireland the company’s accounts receivable (=sales that have been made but not yet paid for) second-hand accounts of mass killings a verbatim account of our conversationCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
a balanced account of what happened· How much do you have in your bank account at the moment?
I’d like to open a bank account. Several people gave competing accounts of the accident.· He wrote a fairly comprehensive account of the islands at that time.
· When questioned, the boys gave conflicting accounts of what they were doing that night.
He was unable to give a credible explanation for his behaviour. Her excuse was barely credible. a detailed study of crime in Seattle (=form a particular part of a total)· Exports currently account for 37% of sales.
According to eyewitness accounts, soldiers opened fire on the crowd. (=to consider factors when making a decision)· You should take all these factors into account.
He gave a disturbing account of the murder. a moving account of his childhood in Ireland the company’s accounts receivable (=sales that have been made but not yet paid for) second-hand accounts of mass killings a verbatim account of our conversation· That leaves the other click to be accounted for.· How should the agreement be accounted for in the pension scheme accounts?· Money was being spent, but money could be accounted for.· There will also be an increase in the proportion of total energy demand accounted for by coal.· Now notions in this sense have, of course, always been accounted for in conventional syllabus design.· Meanwhile two members of Swift's crew had also jumped on board to ensure that all persons on the vessel were accounted for.· This difference is accounted for by the younger average age of the snowball sample.· For older men it accounts for between 20 - 40 percent of cancer deaths.
NOUN· It is the mobility of dislocations which accounts for the mechanical differences between metals and non-metals.· Even the lag in educational attainment that continued to mount from the late 1970s did not account for the differences.· The variation here is accounted for by the differences in the very small number of entrants gaining firsts.· Chapter 4 will examine some of the factors that might account for differences in the political beliefs of individuals within a society.· Do the major social divisions of class, gender and ethnicity really account for the differences?· What best accounts for this difference?· There are clearly a large number of factors which could account for this difference.· What accounts for the difference in adoption of adjustments from place to place and time to time? 5.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a blow-by-blow account/description etc► charge something to somebody’s account/room etc► close an account
account for something phrasal verb1to form a particular amount or part of something: - And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
- At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
- Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
- International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
- It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
- Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
- Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
- This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
- I had had nothing but glowing reports from her teacher.
- In return for this hospitality, all they have to do is write a glowing report of their experience.
- Most performers can read ten glowing reports and one bad, and only remember the nasty one.
- Our son's achievement level soared and at the end of the school year he received a glowing report from his teachers.
- These pretentious phrases and glowing descriptions also have a resonance for our time.
- These proved very successful and a glowing report came from the Establishment.
- A relaxed regime of visiting the lavatory after each main meal and at bedtime is established with the parents keeping a record.
- Each day we are to keep a diary.
- I must keep records that prove I do all this.
- One research team keeps a record of which computers are attached to the network at any time.
- Only one in five departments is believed to keep a record of abuse of adults or the elderly.
- There was a chart on the wall that gave some measure of this by keeping a record of math and spelling grades.
- Tish intends to do some drawing, but is too intent on keeping a diary.
- A similar procedure is followed for all other open accounts.
- Instead, they buy these items on open account from their suppliers on whatever credit terms are available.
- Now such sales are on open account and paid mainly by cheque.
- Only £1 is needed to open an account.
- Only those people who live near by are allowed to open accounts.
- Our friend Joan strolls into the bank and plops down $ 100 to open an account.
- Roosevelt Principal Mike Price opened an account, and the checks went directly to the bank.
- To open an account, children need just £1.
- Boudjema believes that the opposition parties are settling a score with the Socialist government and using the schoolgirls as a scapegoat.
- Schiavo certainly deserves no credit for scaring people needlessly just to settle a score.
Afro-Americans account for 12% of the US population.2to be the reason why something happens SYN explain: Recent pressure at work may account for his behavior.3to give a satisfactory explanation of why something has happened or why you did something SYN explain: Can you account for your movements on that night?4to say where all the members of a group of people or things are, especially because you are worried that some of them may be lost: Three days after the earthquake, more than 150 people had still to be accounted for.