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accord
/a.koʁ/
agreement
Ils ont trouvé un accord sur les termes du contrat.
They reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.
formal
A mutual understanding or harmony between people or groups
L'accord de paix a été signé hier.
The peace agreement was signed yesterday.
Ils sont d'accord sur ce point.
They are in agreement on this point.
Used in legal, diplomatic, or everyday contexts to denote consensus.
Law
formal
A formal or official agreement between countries or organizations
L'accord commercial entre les deux pays a été renouvelé.
The trade agreement between the two countries was renewed.
Often used in international relations or business.
technical
A musical harmony or combination of notes that sound pleasant together
Cet accord de piano est très mélodique.
This piano chord is very melodic.
Refers to the combination of musical notes played simultaneously.
formal
A fit or harmony between things
L'accord des couleurs dans cette peinture est parfait.
The harmony of colors in this painting is perfect.
Often used in art, design, or aesthetics.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Mastering 'accord' vs 'accorder'
Remember that 'accord' is a noun (agreement), while 'accorder' is a verb (to agree). For example: 'Ils ont trouvé un accord' (They reached an agreement) vs 'Ils sont d'accord' (They agree).
Gold Rule
Context matters
The meaning of 'accord' shifts based on context. In legal or diplomatic settings, it refers to formal agreements. In music, it refers to harmonies.
Word Origin
From Old French 'acorder' (to agree), from Latin 'accordare' (to reconcile), from 'ad-' (to) + 'cor' (heart).
Usage Notes
In French, 'accord' can refer to both abstract agreements (e.g., peace) and concrete harmonies (e.g., musical). The verb form 'accorder' is commonly used in everyday speech.
Word Breakdown
ac-
prefix indicating 'toward' or 'to'
prefix-cord
from Latin 'cor' (heart), implying harmony or agreement
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais