Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪv ɐkˈa͡ʊnt] (IPA) 
The phrase "give account" is spelled with a hard "g" sound followed by the long "i" vowel sound, as in "gi-" ( IPA: /ɡɪv/ ). The consonant sound "v" is used instead of "f" in the word "give" to clarify its pronunciation. The word "account" is spelled with the short "a" sound, as in "a-" ( IPA: /əˈkaʊnt/ ). In this phrase, "give account" is used to mean providing an explanation or justification for something.
The phrase "give account" is often used in a figurative sense to mean providing an explanation or justification for one's actions, decisions, or behavior. When someone is asked to "give account," they are being called upon to provide a detailed explanation or report about a specific matter. This expression typically implies a sense of responsibility, transparency, and answerability towards others.
In various contexts, "give account" is frequently used in legal, professional, and personal situations. For instance, in a legal setting, a defendant may be required to "give account" for their alleged criminal activity, presenting evidence or witnesses to support their defense. In the professional realm, employees may have to "give account" to their superiors about their work performance, achievements, or any errors made. Similarly, individuals may be asked to "give account" to their friends, family, or partners regarding their actions, intentions, or whereabouts.
The act of "giving account" is often accompanied by providing relevant information, justifications, clarifications, or even apologies. It implies being held responsible for one's actions and being willing to face the consequences or criticism that may arise from them. "Giving account" can also be seen as an act of taking ownership and acknowledging the impact of one's choices on others. Overall, the phrase "give account" encompasses the idea of being accountable, transparent, and open to explaining one's actions or decisions to others.
The etymology of the phrase "give account" can be traced back to Middle English and Old French.
The word "give" originates from the Old English word "giefan", which means to bestow or grant. It evolved into the Middle English word "given" with a similar meaning.
The word "account" comes from the Old French word "acompte", which is derived from the Latin word "computare". The Latin term combines "com", meaning together, and "putare", meaning to reckon or calculate.
In Middle English, "account" referred to the action of calculation or a reckoning, and it gradually expanded to include the sense of providing an explanation or a narrative of events. This eventually led to the expression "give account", which is used today to mean providing information, explanations, or justifications for one's actions or decisions.
