English

Etymology

From Middle English acordingli, equivalent to according +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

(General American) IPA: /əˈkɔɹ.dɪŋ.li/ (stress on the second syllable)
(UK) IPA: /əˈkɔː(ɹ).dɪŋ.li/ (stress on the second syllable)

Part of Speech

Adverb
Comparatives: more accordingly
Superlative: most accordingly

Meanings

  • (manner) In a way that agrees, corresponds, or suits; appropriately or correspondingly.
  • (conjunctive) As a result; consequently or therefore, indicating a logical outcome.

Morphology: Formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective according, which derives from the preposition accord (meaning agreement). This structure is common in English for creating adverbs from adjectives.

Grammar Notes

Accordingly functions primarily as a conjunctive adverb, connecting clauses or ideas in formal writing. It is not inflected for tense but can be intensified with “more” or “most.” Avoid using it in casual speech, where simpler words like “so” suffice. It typically follows a semicolon or period in complex sentences.

Usage Notes

Unlike consequently, which implies a strong causal link, accordingly suggests simple agreement or natural progression, often in professional or legal contexts.

Examples

  • Simple: He was late; accordingly, we started without him.
  • Medium: The instructions were unclear, and the team adjusted their plan accordingly.
  • Complex: While the economy showed signs of recovery, inflation remained high, so policymakers, acting accordingly, raised interest rates to stabilize the market.

Synonyms and Antonyms

  • Synonyms: consequently, therefore, hence, so, thus, wherefore.
  • Antonyms: inappropriately, irrelevantly (for manner sense); unexpectedly, contrariwise (for conjunctive sense).
  • Common Word Combinations: adjust accordingly, proceed accordingly, act accordingly, change accordingly.

Short Interesting Facts

Accordingly first appeared in English around the 15th century, reflecting the language’s growing emphasis on logical discourse during the Renaissance. It’s frequently used in legal documents, such as contracts, to denote compliance or expected outcomes, underscoring its role in precise communication.

Cultural or Contextual Features

In British English, it’s more common in formal correspondence, like business emails, while American English favors it in academic writing. Culturally, it embodies a value of rationality and order, often appearing in philosophical texts by thinkers like John Locke to link ideas methodically.

Tips on How to Learn It Easier

  • Associate it with “accord” (agreement) + “-ly” (manner), so remember it as “in agreement manner.”
  • Practice by replacing “so” in sentences: “It rained, so we stayed home” becomes “It rained; we stayed home accordingly.”
  • Use flashcards: Front: “Logical result adverb?” Back: “Accordingly.”

Mini-Tasks for the Student

  • Make a sentence using accordingly to describe a weather-related decision.
  • Find a synonym for accordingly in a news article and rewrite the sentence with it.
  • List three situations where you would use accordingly instead of therefore, explaining why.

Further Reading:
“accordingly”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913.
“accordingly”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.