What does accordantly mean?
Accordantly is a rare, formal English adverb used to say that an action, statement, or arrangement agrees with a specified principle, agreement, or requirement. It can also convey that something is done in a suitable or fitting manner. The word has a slightly old-fashioned, literary sound and is much less common than the everyday adverb accordingly, which can mean either “in accordance with” or “as a result.” Accordantly is useful when precision matters and a writer wants to emphasize correspondence with a governing standard rather than merely assert a general course of action. Because its usage is uncommon, readers may initially mistake it for a misspelling of accordingly. In edited prose, it is therefore worth considering whether a clearer standard term—accordingly, appropriately, consistently, or suitably—would serve the context better.
adverbIn accordance with a principle, agreement, or requirement; suitably or appropriately.
- In accordance with an agreement, principle, or requirement.
- In a suitable or appropriate manner.
"The revised figures accordantly reflect the assumptions stated in the agreement."
"The amendments were drafted accordantly with the governing statute."
"She adapted the presentation accordantly to suit the formal occasion."
Accordantly is a rare, formal alternative to accordingly, with a tailor's fit for prose that emphasizes correspondence with a governing standard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does accordantly come from?
Accordantly was formed in English from accord with the adverb-forming suffix -antly. Accord came through Old French from Latin accordare, meaning “to make agree,” ultimately associated with ad- and Latin cor, “heart.” Related English words include accord, accordance, and accordingly, while Latin-derived words such as concord and discord reflect the same broader tradition of agreement and disagreement.
How accordantly is actually used
This is a rare and formal or literary word. It is much less common in everyday English than accordingly, appropriately, or suitably.
Easily confused with accordantly
Accordantly emphasizes conformity with a standard or agreement, whereas accordingly may express conformity or, depending on context, a consequence.