- Accomplish
- Accomplish Ac*com"plish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Accomplished},
p. pr. & vb. n. {Accomplishing}.] [OE. acomplissen, OF.
accomplir, F. accomplir; L. ad + complere to fill up,
complete. See {Complete}, {Finish}.]
1. To complete, as time or distance.
[1913 Webster]
That He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. --Dan. ix. 2. [1913 Webster]
He had accomplished half a league or more. --Prescott. [1913 Webster]
2. To bring to an issue of full success; to effect; to perform; to execute fully; to fulfill; as, to accomplish a design, an object, a promise. [1913 Webster]
This that is written must yet be accomplished in me. --Luke xxii. 37. [1913 Webster]
3. To equip or furnish thoroughly; hence, to complete in acquirements; to render accomplished; to polish. [1913 Webster]
The armorers accomplishing the knights. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
It [the moon] is fully accomplished for all those ends to which Providence did appoint it. --Wilkins. [1913 Webster]
These qualities . . . go to accomplish a perfect woman. --Cowden Clarke. [1913 Webster]
4. To gain; to obtain. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To do; perform; fulfill; realize; effect; effectuate; complete; consummate; execute; achieve; perfect; equip; furnish.
Usage: To {Accomplish}, {Effect}, {Execute}, {Achieve}, {Perform}. These words agree in the general idea of carrying out to some end proposed. To accomplish (to fill up to the measure of the intention) generally implies perseverance and skill; as, to accomplish a plan proposed by one's self, an object, a design, an undertaking. ``Thou shalt accomplish my desire.'' --1 Kings v. 9. [1913 Webster]
He . . . expressed his desire to see a union accomplished between England and Scotland. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] To effect (to work out) is much like accomplish. It usually implies some degree of difficulty contended with; as, he effected or accomplished what he intended, his purpose, but little. ``What he decreed, he effected.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]
To work in close design by fraud or guile What force effected not. --Milton. [1913 Webster] To execute (to follow out to the end, to carry out, or into effect) implies a set mode of operation; as, to execute the laws or the orders of another; to execute a work, a purpose, design, plan, project. To perform is much like to do, though less generally applied. It conveys a notion of protracted and methodical effort; as, to perform a mission, a part, a task, a work. ``Thou canst best perform that office.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]
The Saints, like stars, around his seat Perform their courses still. --Keble. [1913 Webster] To achieve (to come to the end or arrive at one's purpose) usually implies some enterprise or undertaking of importance, difficulty, and excellence. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.