Company vs. Accompany — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
"Company" primarily denotes a business entity or the state of being with someone, while "accompany" refers to the act of going along with someone or something.
Difference Between Company and Accompany
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "company" can refer to a commercial organization involved in business activities, ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations. It embodies the concept of an assembled group working towards common goals or offering products/services. Conversely, "accompany" is a verb that involves joining someone or something as a companion or to provide assistance, support, or complementarity. This action emphasizes the presence of one entity alongside another, whether in a social, professional, or supportive capacity.
While "company" can also imply companionship or the presence of another person ("enjoying someone's company"), it does not inherently involve the act of moving or going along with them. "Accompany," on the other hand, inherently involves motion or participation, suggesting an active role in joining another on a journey, in an activity, or through a process. It's about the act of being together with a purpose or direction, whether literally or figuratively.
In the business context, "company" is a structured entity with legal recognition, defining a group organized for economic activities. It is characterized by its legal status, organizational structure, and objectives. "Accompany," whereas, might be used metaphorically to describe a product, service, or technology going along with or enhancing another in the business realm, but it primarily denotes the action of being with or alongside.
"Company" as a noun represents a static concept—a business entity or the state of being with others—whereas "accompany" as a verb represents action and is dynamic, indicating the process of going along with someone or something. This dynamic versus static nature highlights their fundamental difference in usage and meaning.
The emotional or social implications also differ; "company" can suggest a sense of belonging or mutual association, potentially without active engagement, while "accompany" implies active participation and support. For example, someone may value the company of a good friend during difficult times, even if that friend's active role is minimal, versus another friend who accompanies them to appointments, offering physical presence and active support.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A business entity or the state of being with someone.
The act of going along with someone or something.
Usage
Noun (an organization or companionship).
Verb (the action of joining or adding to).
Context
Business, social.
Social, professional, artistic.
Connotation
Structure, organization, or companionship.
Movement, support, companionship with active participation.
Examples
- A technology company.<br>- Enjoying the company of friends.
- Accompanying a friend to a concert.<br>- Music accompanying a film.
Compare with Definitions
Company
A military unit.
He served in a company of infantry.
Accompany
To occur or coexist with something.
Thunderstorms accompanied the heavy rain.
Company
A business enterprise selling goods or services.
She works for a large tech company.
Accompany
To be or provide a complement to something.
This wine perfectly accompanies the cheese plate.
Company
Being in someone's presence.
Her company at the dinner made the evening enjoyable.
Accompany
To go along with someone as a companion.
I will accompany you to your appointment.
Company
The fact or condition of being with another person.
He enjoyed the company of his friends.
Accompany
To play a musical part alongside the main performer.
The pianist accompanied the singer throughout the concert.
Company
An assembly of people for a specific purpose.
We formed a small company for the group project.
Accompany
To escort someone.
The officer accompanied the suspect to the station.
Company
A company, abbreviated as co., is a legal entity representing an association of people, whether natural, legal or a mixture of both, with a specific objective. Company members share a common purpose and unite to achieve specific, declared goals.
Accompany
To be or go with, especially as a companion.
Company
A commercial business
A company director
A shipping company
The Ford Motor Company
Accompany
To provide with an addition; supplement
A dish that is best accompanied with a robust wine.
Company
The fact or condition of being with another or others, especially in a way that provides friendship and enjoyment
I really enjoy his company
Accompany
To exist or occur at the same time as
Dark clouds that were accompanied by rain.
Company
A number of individuals gathered together
The Mayor addressed the assembled company
Accompany
(Music) To perform an accompaniment to.
Company
A flock of wigeon (ducks)
A company of wigeons occasionally numbers several thousand birds
Accompany
(Music) To play an accompaniment.
Company
Associate with; keep company with
These men which have companied with us all this time
Accompany
(transitive) To go with or attend as a companion or associate; to keep company with; to go along with.
Geoffrey accompanied the group on their pilgrimage.
Company
A group of persons
A company of scientists.
Accompany
(transitive) To supplement with; add to.
Company
One's companions or associates
Moved in fast company.
Is known by the company she keeps.
Accompany
To perform an accompanying part or parts in a composition.
Company
A guest or guests
Had company for the weekend.
Accompany
To perform an accompanying part next to (another instrument or musician).
The strings were accompanied by two woodwinds.
I will accompany her on the oboe.
Company
The state of friendly companionship; fellowship
Was grateful for her company.
Friends who finally parted company.
Accompany
To associate in a company; to keep company.
Company
A business enterprise; a firm.
Accompany
To cohabit (with). en
Company
A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm's title
Lee Rogers and Company.
Accompany
To cohabit with; to coexist with; occur with.
Company
A troupe of dramatic or musical performers
A repertory company.
Accompany
To be found at the same time.
Thunder almost always accompanies lightning during a rain storm.
Company
A subdivision of a military regiment or battalion that constitutes the lowest administrative unit. It is usually under the command of a captain and is made up of at least two platoons.
Accompany
To go with or attend as a companion or associate; to keep company with; to go along with; - followed by with or by; as, he accompanied his speech with a bow.
The Persian dames, . . . In sumptuous cars, accompanied his march.
They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts.
He was accompanied by two carts filled with wounded rebels.
Company
A unit of firefighters.
Accompany
To cohabit with.
Company
A ship's crew and officers. See Usage Note at collective noun.
Accompany
To associate in a company; to keep company.
Men say that they will drive away one another, . . . and not accompany together.
Company
To accompany or associate with.
Accompany
To cohabit (with).
Company
To keep company with someone; associate.
Accompany
To perform an accompanying part or parts in a composition.
Company
A team; a group of people who work together professionally.
Accompany
Be associated with;
French fries come with the hamburger
Company
A group of individuals who work together for a common purpose.
A company of actors.
Accompany
Go or travel along with;
The nurse accompanied the old lady everywhere
Company
(military) A unit of approximately sixty to one hundred and twenty soldiers, typically consisting of two or three platoons and forming part of a battalion.
The boys in Company C
Accompany
Perform an accompaniment to;
The orchestra could barely follow the frequent pitch changes of the soprano
Company
A unit of firefighters and their equipment.
It took six companies to put out the fire.
Accompany
Be a companion to somebody
Company
(nautical) The entire crew of a ship.
Company
An intelligence service.
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
Company
A small group of birds or animals.
Company
(legal) An entity having legal personality, and thus able to own property and to sue and be sued in its own name; a corporation.
Company
(business) Any business, whether incorporated or not, that manufactures or sells products (also known as goods), or provides services as a commercial venture.
Company
(uncountable) Social visitors or companions.
Keep the house clean; I have company coming.
Company
(uncountable) Companionship.
I treasure your company.
Company
To accompany, keep company with.
Company
To associate.
Company
To be a lively, cheerful companion.
Company
The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse.
Evil company doth corrupt good manners.
Brethren, farewell: your company alongI will not wish.
Company
A companion or companions.
To thee and thy company I bidA hearty welcome.
Company
An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.
Company
Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
Company
Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse.
Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company.
Company
An association of persons for the purpose of carrying on some enterprise or business; a corporation; a firm; as, the East India Company; an insurance company; a joint-stock company.
Company
Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; - often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
Company
A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
Company
The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
Company
The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.
Company
To accompany or go with; to be companion to.
Company
To associate.
Men which have companied with us all the time.
Company
To be a gay companion.
Company
An institution created to conduct business;
He only invests in large well-established companies
He started the company in his garage
Company
Organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical);
The traveling company all stayed at the same hotel
Company
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
Company
Small military unit; usually two or three platoons
Company
A band of people associated temporarily in some activity;
They organized a party to search for food
The company of cooks walked into the kitchen
Company
A social gathering of guests or companions;
The house was filled with company when I arrived
Company
A social or business visitor;
The room was a mess because he hadn't expected company
Company
A unit of firefighters including their equipment;
A hook-and-ladder company
Company
Crew of a ship including the officers; the whole force or personnel of a ship
Company
Be a companion to somebody
Common Curiosities
Can a person provide "company" without actively doing anything?
Yes, simply being present with someone can be considered providing company.
What legal structures can a "company" have?
A company can be structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC), each with different legal implications.
Can "accompany" be used in a negative context?
Yes, it can be used to describe unwelcome or undesirable things happening together, e.g., "The economic downturn was accompanied by high unemployment."
Is it correct to use "accompany" for inanimate objects?
Yes, "accompany" can be used for inanimate objects, e.g., "Symptoms that accompany a cold."
How is "accompany" used in music?
In music, "accompany" means to play a supporting musical background for the main performer.
Can "company" only refer to a business?
No, "company" can also refer to the state of being with others, not just a business entity.
Is "accompany" always physical?
Not necessarily; it can also be used metaphorically to describe things that go well together or support each other, like flavors or music.
How do different cultures view the concept of "company"?
Cultural attitudes towards company can vary, with some cultures placing a high value on communal living and constant companionship, while others may value individualism and solitude.
How can a "company" impact its community?
A company can impact its community through job creation, economic development, community service, and environmental stewardship.
Can animals "accompany" humans?
Yes, animals, especially pets, are often considered companions to humans, providing company and, in some cases, assistance or support.
How does one choose between "company" and "accompany"?
Use "company" to refer to a business or the state of being with someone, and "accompany" to describe the act of going along with or supporting.
Do all businesses qualify as "companies"?
Not all businesses are companies in the legal sense; some are sole proprietorships or partnerships without the legal status of a company.
Can technology "accompany" people in their daily lives?
Yes, technology, such as smartphones or wearable devices, is often described as accompanying individuals by providing assistance, entertainment, or connectivity.
What does it mean for a company to be "in good company"?
This phrase means to be in a situation or category that includes other respected or notable people, organizations, or entities, indicating a position of respect or prestige.
What responsibilities does "accompanying" someone entail?
Accompanying someone can involve responsibilities like ensuring their safety, providing emotional support, or aiding them in specific tasks.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
