Language Research

account · noun

/əˈkɑʊnt/Full view

account (BANK)

B1 C an arrangement with a bank to keep your money there and to allow you to take it out when you need to

Dictionary examples:

a checking/savings account

I've opened an account at another bank.

I deposited the money in my account this morning.

Learner example:

The man, whose name I can't remember, wrote a serious looking message in which he [talked about] a money transfer to a Swiss bank account. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

account (REPORT)

B2 C a written or spoken description of something that has happened

Dictionary examples:

She gave a thrilling account of her life in the jungle.

The documents provide a detailed account of the town's early history.

Learner example:

I would be very interested [in participating] and [writing] the accounts of our journeys. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

take account of sth

B2 to consider something when judging a situation

Dictionary example:

A good architect takes account of the building's surroundings.

Learner example:

I hope you will take account of our request. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

take into account sth

B2 to consider something when judging a situation

Dictionary example:

I think you have to take into account the fact that he's a good deal younger than the rest of us.

Learner example:

Taking into account all these arguments, I also think, like many people, that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and unnecessary. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

on account of sth

B2 because of something

Dictionary example:

He doesn't eat any dairy products on account of the diet he is following.

Learner example:

On account of its location, it is always busy. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

by all accounts

C1 as said by a lot of people

Dictionary example:

The party was, by all accounts, a great success.

Learner example:

I have known Michael Van Cleef for over two decades now, and he is, by all accounts, an exemplary worker. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

account · verb

/əˈkɑʊnt/

account for sth (REASON)

C2 to be the reason for something, or to explain the reason for something

Dictionary examples:

Can you account for your absence last Friday?

He'd had an argument with Caroline, which accounts for his bad mood this morning.

She was asked to account for the missing money.

Learner example:

I could not account for what had happened. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

account for sth (FORM PART OF)

C1 to form part of a total amount or number of something

Dictionary example:

Senior citizens account for more than 25 percent of the state's population.

Learner example:

If you look carefully at the attached pie-chart, you will easily see that the administration costs and the cost of entertainment account for a mere 15% of the total amount raised. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)