The phrase "account for" can be spelled as it sounds, with the exception of the "ou" diphthong in "account." In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "account" is /əˈkaʊnt/. The "ou" diphthong represents the vowel sounds /aʊ/, which is a combination of "ah" and "oo" sounds. The "for" portion of the phrase is straightforward, with the pronunciations of each letter matching their usual sounds. Therefore, "account for" can be spelled as "uh-kownt fawr" in American English.
The phrase "account for" is a verb phrase that has multiple meanings and uses in different contexts. It can be defined as:
1. To explain or provide the reasons or causes for something: In this sense, "account for" implies providing a thorough explanation or justification for a particular occurrence, event, or phenomenon. For example, a scientist may attempt to account for the sudden increase in pollution levels by studying industrial activities in the area.
2. To give a detailed record or report of something: This definition of "account for" suggests providing an accurate and comprehensive record or description of something, often for record-keeping or financial purposes. For instance, a company's accountants may need to account for all the expenditures made during a fiscal year.
3. To take into consideration or make allowances for something: This meaning of "account for" highlights the act of acknowledging or considering something when making plans, calculations, or evaluations. For example, a gardener may account for the amount of rainfall in determining the frequency of watering plants.
4. To accept responsibility or take ownership of something: "Account for" can also imply taking responsibility for one's actions or decisions. This definition is often used in legal or investigative contexts, where individuals are expected to provide an explanation or justification for their activities.
In summary, "account for" has diverse meanings such as explaining, recording, considering, or taking responsibility for something, and its precise definition depends on the specific context in which it is used.
The word account originated from the Middle English word accounten, which was derived from the Old French word acunter. This Old French term was a variation of the Latin word computare, meaning to calculate or to reckon.
The addition of the preposition for in the phrase account for serves to indicate that one is providing an explanation or justification for something. The preposition for is derived from the Old English word for, which has cognates in other Germanic languages. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word fur, meaning in front of or before. Over time, for expanded its meaning to include other uses, such as indicating purpose or cause, as seen in the phrase account for.