The phrase “bring to account” is often used in legal and financial contexts. It refers to the act of holding someone responsible for their actions or requiring them to explain their behavior. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origins, and associations of this phrase.
Definitions
The phrase “bring to account” can be defined as the act of holding someone accountable or responsible for their actions. It can also refer to the act of requiring someone to explain their behavior or justify their decisions. In legal and financial contexts, it often refers to the act of auditing or examining financial records to ensure that they are accurate and transparent.
Origin
The phrase “bring to account” has its roots in the Middle English word “accounten,” which means “to count.” It was first used in the 14th century to refer to the act of holding someone accountable for their actions or requiring them to explain their behavior. Over time, the phrase has evolved to encompass a wide range of legal and financial contexts.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “bring to account” means “to hold responsible or accountable.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to require someone to explain or justify their actions or decisions.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to make someone explain their actions or decisions, especially when they have done something wrong.”
Associations
The phrase “bring to account” is often associated with legal and financial contexts. It is used in auditing and accounting to ensure that financial records are accurate and transparent. It is also used in legal contexts to hold individuals or organizations responsible for their actions or decisions.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for “bring to account,” including:
- Hold accountable.
- Hold responsible.
- Require an explanation.
- Demand an answer.
- Call to account.
- Bring to justice.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “bring to account” include:
- Let off the hook.
- Ignore.
- Excuse.
- Forgive.
- Overlook.
- Pardon.
The same root words
The phrase “bring to account” has the same root words as the word “accountability.” Both words come from the Middle English word “accounten,” which means “to count.” “Accountability” refers to the state of being responsible or answerable for one’s actions or decisions.
Example Sentences
- The company was brought to account for its unethical business practices.
- The government was held accountable for its mishandling of the crisis.
- The auditor brought the company’s financial records to account to ensure their accuracy.
- The employee was required to bring their expenses to account in order to receive reimbursement.
- The defendant was brought to justice and held accountable for their crimes.