Accompaniment is something that goes along with or complements something else, often music that accompanies a performance. It can refer to instruments, vocal support, or other elements that enhance a main act, service, or meal. The term emphasizes supportive association rather than the primary focus.
"The pianist provided delicate accompaniment to the singer."
"The ceremony featured a gentle orchestral accompaniment throughout the procession."
"She wore a subtle floral headpiece that served as accompaniment to her dress."
"The restaurant offered a wine accompaniment with each course to enhance the tasting menu."
Accompaniment derives from the verb accompany, formed from Old French accompagner, from a- (toward) + compagnon (companion, partner). The root compagnon itself combines com- (together) with pawn, from Latin compāgnō, implying partnership. The concept of accompaniment broadened in Middle English to describe something that goes with a main thing—musical or otherwise—providing support or enhancement. Over time, accompaniment in music became a standard term for the orchestration or instrumental support that frames a melody, lyrics, or performance. In modern usage, it extends beyond music to any supplementary element that complements a primary act, event, or dish, retaining its sense of pairing or addition rather than principal focus. First known uses appear in Middle English texts referencing companionship and contingent support, evolving into a widely used musical and non-musical term by the 17th–18th centuries, especially with the rise of concerted music where a separate instrument or group accompanies a soloist.
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Words that rhyme with "Accompaniment"
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Pronunciation is /ə.kəmˈpæ.ni.mənt/ (US) or /ə.kəmˈpæ.nɪ.mənt/ (UK/AU). Primary stress is on the third syllable ‘pan’ in standard pronunciations: a-kem-PAN-i-ment. Start with a schwa in the first syllable, then a light /k/, then /əm/ before the stressed /ˈpæ/; the ending is /mənt/. Listen for a smooth, unstressed first two syllables, then clear, stressed ‘PAN.’ Audio reference: standard dictionaries provide US /ə.kə mˈpan.ini.mənt/ approximations; use them as a guide to rhythm and vowel quality.
Common errors include stressing the wrong syllable (placing emphasis on ‘pan’ vs. ‘ni’), mispronouncing the vowel in the second syllable as /æ/ instead of the reduced /ə/ in the first two syllables, and running the final consonant ‘ment’ as /mənt/ with an overly strong /t/. Correct by keeping the first syllable unstressed with a quick /ə/ and keeping the main stress on /ˈpæ/; end with a clear /mənt/ without adding extra vowel length.
In US English, stress tends to be on the /ˈpæ/ syllable with a slightly stronger /æ/ in that vowel. UK and AU pronunciations often mirror US but may feature a shorter, less tense /æ/ and a more clipped ending /mənt/. The initial /ə/ is typically a schwa in all, but some regional UK accents may reduce /kəm/ more, giving /əˈkɒm.pə.nɪ.mənt/ in very broad accents. Overall, the rhotic vs nonrhotic distinction has minimal impact on this word; rhythm and vowel quality are more influential.
It combines a multisyllabic structure with a middle cluster and a stressed syllable surrounded by unstressed ones, making rhythm tricky. The /ə/ in initial syllables can be reduced, and the /ˈpæ/ needs crisp articulation. The /mnt/ ending requires avoiding an extra vowel before /m/ and avoiding syllable-timing that blurs the stress. Practicing the sequence with deliberate tempo helps align syllable weight and the final consonant clarity.
A distinguishing point is the placement of primary stress on the third syllable in many accents: ac-com-PAN-i-ment. This stress drives the rhythm and helps you avoid the common error of placing stress on the first or second syllable. Remember the schwa in the initial syllables and maintain a clean /ˈpæ/ vowel before the final /mənt/; practice with minimal pairs that compare wrong stress placements to correct ones.
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