As nouns the difference between accessory and paraphernalia
is that
accessory is something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment while
paraphernalia is (pluralonly) miscellaneous items, especially the set of equipment required for a particular activity; stuff.
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
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paraphernalia Noun
( -)
(pluralonly) Miscellaneous items, especially the set of equipment required for a particular activity; stuff.
- He has an impressive collection of bicycling paraphernalia , but he doesn't ride very often anymore.
(archaic) Things a woman owns, apart from her dowry.
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