accessory
English meaning: Accessory
Definition
Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of people and things, and, when of people, usually in a bad sense
Example
“She was accessory to the riot.”
Another example: “A bright scarf is the perfect accessory to brighten a plain outfit.”
Usage — When, Where & How
As an adjective, formal, meaning supplementary or secondary; as a noun (the more common everyday use), an item that complements clothing or equipment, or in law a person who helps a crime. Common in fashion, anatomy and legal contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Medieval Latin 'accessorius' (additional), from Latin 'accedere' (to approach, be added); 15th century.
Synonyms
- adjunct
- auxiliary
- ancillary
- adjuvant
- subsidiary
- supplement
- accomplice
- supportive
- appurtenance
- accouterment
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- accessory to
- fashion accessory
- accessory item
- optional accessory
- accessory after the fact
- car accessory
Word Forms
accessory (n & adj); accessories (pl); accessorize (v)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
Maturity = 146,932.81 · Interest earned = 46,932.81
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B