according

UK: əˈkɔːdɪŋ | US: əˈkɔːrdɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. in agreement or harmony with something

  2. v. (present participle of "accord") granting or giving something

Structure
ac <to>cord <heart>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "according" stems from the Old French "acorder" (to agree), which combines the Latin prefix "ad-" (to) and "cor" (heart). The core idea is "hearts coming together," reflecting harmony or agreement. Over time, "ac-" simplified to "a-" in some forms, while "cord" retained its link to the heart metaphor. The "-ing" suffix marks it as a present participle or adjective.

Examples

  1. The results are according to our expectations.

  2. He acted according to the rules.

  3. According to the report, sales have increased.

  4. She distributed the tasks according to skill level.

  5. The colors were chosen according to the client’s preferences.