English Phrase of the Day

Definitions

English > English
account for
1. v. To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.
I don't have to account for anything to you.
The storekeeper was expected to account for any material removed.
2. v. To be the primary cause of
The torrential downpour would account for the saturated state of the land.
3. v. To constitute in amount or portion.
German speakers accounted for 37% of the population.
4. v. To make or render a reckoning of funds, persons, or things.
5. v. To be answerable for.
6. v. To destroy or put out of action.
Coyotes account for more rabbits than hunters do.
Analysis
account		©
1. n. (accounting) A registry of pecuniary transactions; a written or printed statement of business dealings or debts and credits, and also of other things subjected to a reckoning or review.
2. n. (banking) A sum of money deposited at a bank and subject to withdrawal.
to keep one's account at the bank.
3. n. A statement in general of reasons, causes, grounds, etc., explanatory of some event; a reason of an action to be done.
No satisfactory account has been given of these phenomena.
for		©
1. conj. (dated) Because.
2. prep. Towards.
The astronauts headed for the moon.
3. prep. Directed at, intended to belong to.
I have something for you.

Example Sentences

I can't account for it.  How is one to account for this disparity?  Audiences have become used to such shows, which may account for the fact that many of the people killed yesterday can be seen on a video film, shot by a local news camera, still dancing and chatting as the fires licked up the back wall behind the stage and as the band continued to play.  His parents, ignored for years, fought a gruelling battle to have the police held to account for their mistakes and win promises of change from the government.  Some of the most expensive crops are grown indoors on the west coast using advanced scientific techniques but the American heartlands account for the largest volume.

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