ACCESSORY

Definition of ACCESSORY

ACCESSORY Noun and Adjective

Accessory is a noun that refers to an additional item or object that complements or enhances the primary item or function, often serving a supportive, decorative, or functional purpose. It can also be used as an adjective, describing something that plays a secondary or supplementary role.

ACCESSORY as a noun

Complementary or Decorative Item: At its core, an accessory is something that adds to or enhances the main object, often providing aesthetic value or practical utility. “She wore a beautiful necklace as an accessory to her dress,” highlights how accessories serve to complement the main clothing or fashion choice, providing additional flair or style.

Functional Accessories: In addition to fashion, accessories often refer to supplementary tools or objects that serve a practical purpose. “The car came with several accessories, including a sunshade and seat covers,” demonstrates how accessories can enhance or add functionality to an item, offering convenience or protection.

In Fashion and Personal Style: Accessories are commonly associated with fashion, including items like jewelry, scarves, handbags, shoes, and belts, which add to an individual’s appearance. “Her accessory collection includes various handbags and hats,” emphasizes how these items are often used to express personal style and taste.

In Legal Context – Accessory to a Crime: In legal terms, an accessory refers to a person who aids, assists, or helps someone commit a crime, but is not the primary perpetrator. “He was charged as an accessory to the robbery for helping the criminals escape,” indicates a legal role in supporting a criminal act without being the main actor.

ACCESSORY as an adjective

Secondary or Supplementary Role: As an adjective, accessory describes something that plays a secondary or supportive role in relation to the primary item or function. “The accessory components of the smartphone include a charger, case, and headphones,” highlights how these items are not essential to the phone’s basic operation but enhance its usability or protection.

Accessory serves as a noun to describe items or roles that complement or enhance the primary object or function, whether in the context of fashion, functionality, or even legal scenarios. When used as an adjective, it highlights the secondary or supplementary nature of something. Whether functional or decorative, accessories contribute value and enrich the core experience or purpose.

Examples of ACCESSORY in a sentence

ACCESSORY as a noun in a sentence

• She wore a stylish accessory to complement her evening gown.
• The store offers a wide range of tech accessories, including phone cases and chargers.
• His watch became a signature accessory, always visible at social gatherings.
• The car dealership sells a variety of accessories, such as seat covers and floor mats.
• The accessory was the final touch, adding a pop of color to the outfit.
• She bought a new accessory for her handbag, a small keychain that matched her shoes.
• The kitchen came with many useful accessories, like measuring spoons and mixing bowls.
• Her sunglasses were the perfect accessory for a sunny day at the beach.

ACCESSORY as an adjective in a sentence

• The store offers accessory items like scarves and jewelry to match your outfit.
• She bought an accessory bag to carry her essentials while traveling.
• The accessory components for the computer were sold separately, allowing customers to customize their setup.
• The accessory equipment was required to complete the assembly of the new furniture.
• They purchased an accessory kit for the camera, which included lenses and filters.
• He added an accessory lens to his smartphone camera to improve the quality of his photos.
• The accessory tools provided by the kit helped make the DIY project easier.
• The accessory shoes were designed to match the dress perfectly.

Origin of ACCESSORY

The term accessory has a multifaceted etymology that connects to the idea of something supplementary or secondary, often contributing to a greater whole.

Semantic Context: Accessory is primarily a noun and adjective that refers to something that is supplementary or additional to a main item or function. As a noun, it can describe a supplementary item that enhances or complements a primary object, such as in fashion or tools. As an adjective, it refers to something that serves as an additional, often secondary, part to a primary item or function.

• Etymological Roots: The word accessory comes from the Latin “accessorius,” meaning “additional” or “subordinate,” which itself is derived from “accessus,” the past participle of “accedere,” meaning “to approach” or “to add to.” “Accedere” is a combination of “ad-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) and “cedere” (meaning “to go” or “to yield”). Thus, the Latin root of accessory implies something that is added or approaches a main object, reinforcing the idea of a secondary or supplementary element.
• Historical Development: The term accessory entered English in the late 14th century, where it was initially used in legal and technical contexts to describe things that were supplementary or secondary to something else. Over time, it gained a broader application in various fields. By the 16th century, accessory was widely used to describe items that supplemented a primary object, such as clothing, tools, or devices. In legal contexts, it was used to describe someone who is involved in a crime but not as the main actor, an accessory to the crime, typically referring to someone who aids or assists the principal offender.
• Cultural and Linguistic Evolution: During the 17th and 18th centuries, the term accessory expanded its usage to refer to a variety of supplementary items or components, such as in the contexts of fashion, tools, and even furniture. The adjective form, which describes something supplementary or secondary, became common, especially in describing objects or items that were considered non-essential but still contributed to the whole. The legal meaning of “accessory” also evolved, particularly in criminal law, where it came to refer to individuals who assist or encourage the commission of a crime without being the primary perpetrator.
• Current Usage: Today, accessory is used in multiple contexts. As a noun, it refers to something that complements or enhances a primary object, such as in fashion (“a handbag is a common accessory”) or in technology (“phone accessories like chargers or cases”). It is also used in a legal context, referring to someone who aids or abets in the commission of a crime, such as an “accessory before the fact” or “accessory after the fact.” The adjective form is used to describe anything supplementary or secondary to a primary function, such as “accessory equipment” or “accessory parts.”

The term accessory has evolved from its Latin roots of something that is added or supplementary to its modern usage, reflecting its broad application across various fields, including fashion, law, and technology. The historical development of the word illustrates its role in denoting supplementary elements, whether in everyday objects, legal matters, or functional roles.