Of Your Own Accord Means From the Heart
An accord is an agreement. The Latin behind it is the heart, which is why an accord is more than a signature.
An accord is an agreement, especially a formal one between parties. The Latin root is *cor*, heart: to reach an accord is literally to bring hearts together. The same root sits inside *concord*, *discord*, *courage* and *record*, which once meant to bring back to mind, or to heart.
- A formal agreement. *A peace accord.*
- Harmony. *In accord with policy.*
- To grant. *Accord him the respect he is due.*
- Of one's own accord — voluntarily. *She left of her own accord.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | accord | A trade accord. |
| Verb | accord | Accord priority. |
| Adverb | accordingly | Act accordingly. |
| Preposition | according to | According to the map. |
| Opposite | discord | Family discord. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The accord was signed in Paris.A formal agreement.
- He came forward of his own accord.Without being made to.
- The findings accord with earlier work.Verb: agree with.
Words from *cor*, heart
- Concord — agreement, hearts together
- Discord — disagreement, hearts apart
- Courage — originally a matter of heart
- Cordial — warm, heartfelt
- Record — to bring back to mind
From Old French *acorder*, from Latin *accordare*, from *ad*, to, and *cor*, heart. The musical *chord* was reshaped by the same family.
Accord or agreement?
They overlap. Accord is more formal and often diplomatic; agreement covers everything from treaties to a nod.
Are accord and heart related?
Yes. The Latin *cor* means heart, which is why *cordial* and *courage* belong to the same family.