What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Accessory vs Associate - What's the difference?

accessory | associate |

As nouns the difference between accessory and associate

is that accessory is something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment while associate is (slang) an associate's degree.

As an adjective accessory

is having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory'' to the riot; ''accessory sounds in music.

accessory

English

Alternative forms

* (noun) accessary

Etymology 1

First attested in 1550s. From (etyl) accessorie , from (etyl) accessus. Compare English access, from same root.

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory'' to the riot; ''accessory sounds in music.
  • (legal) Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself.
  • Present in a minor amount, and not essential.
  • Synonyms
    * (having a secondary function) accompanying, contributory, auxiliary, subsidiary, subservient, additional, acceding
    Derived terms
    * accessory breathing

    Etymology 2

    * (legal) First attested in 1414. * (fashion) First attested in 1896.

    Noun

    (accessories)
  • Something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.
  • the accessories of a mobile phone
  • * (rfdate) :
  • the aspect and accessories of a den of banditti
  • (fashion) An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.
  • (legal) A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.
  • (art) Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts.
  • Synonyms
    * (one who assists in or instigates an offense) abettor, accomplice, ally, coadjutor, accessary
    Derived terms
    * accessory before the fact * accessory after the fact

    References

    *

    associate

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Joined with another or others and having equal or nearly equal status.
  • He is an associate editor.
  • Having partial status or privileges.
  • He is an associate member of the club.
  • Following or accompanying; concomitant.
  • (biology, dated) Connected by habit or sympathy.
  • associate motions: those that occur sympathetically, in consequence of preceding motions

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A person united with another or others in an act, enterprise, or business; a partner or colleague.
  • A companion; a comrade.
  • One that habitually accompanies or is associated with another; an attendant circumstance.
  • A member of an institution or society who is granted only partial status or privileges.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Verb

    (associat)
  • (lb) To join in or form a league, union, or association.
  • (lb) To spend time socially; keep company.
  • :
  • *
  • *:As a political system democracy seems to me extraordinarily foolish,I do not suppose that it matters much in reality whether laws are made by dukes or cornerboys, but I like, as far as possible, to associate with gentlemen in private life.
  • (lb) To join as a partner, ally, or friend.
  • (lb) To connect or join together; combine.
  • :
  • (lb) To connect evidentially, or in the mind or imagination.
  • *(rfdate) (John Keats) (1795-1821)
  • *:I always somehow associate Chatterton with autumn.
  • * (1800-1859)
  • *:He succeeded in associating his name inseparably with some names which will last as long as our language.
  • *{{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Philip J. Bushnell
  • , magazine=(American Scientist), title= Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance , passage=Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident.}}
  • To endorse.
  • *
  • (lb) To be associative.
  • To accompany; to keep company with.
  • *(William Shakespeare) (c.1564–1616)
  • *:Friends should associate friends in grief and woe.
  • Synonyms

    * join

    Antonyms

    * disassociate

    References

    * English heteronyms ----