B2 verb Neutral

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəraɪz/

To add decorative or secondary items to something, such as an outfit or a room, in order to enhance its appearance or usefulness. While 'accessory' is primarily a noun, the verb form 'accessorize' is used to describe the action of adding these elements.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She decided to accessorize her plain black dress with a bold gold necklace.

She chose to add a striking gold necklace to her simple black dress to improve the look.

2

The interior designer suggested we accessorize the living room with colorful throw pillows.

The designer recommended adding bright cushions to the room to make it more attractive.

3

I just need to accessorize this outfit before we leave for the concert.

I need to put on some jewelry or a belt to finish my look before we go out.

Word Family

Noun
accessory
Verb
accessorize
Adverb
accessorily
Adjective
accessory
Related
accessorization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'access' in accessory: extras give you 'access' to a better, more complete style.

Quick Quiz

The stylist suggested that I ______ my blue suit with a silver watch.

Correct!

The correct answer is: accessorize

Examples

1

She decided to accessorize her plain black dress with a bold gold necklace.

everyday

She chose to add a striking gold necklace to her simple black dress to improve the look.

2

The interior designer suggested we accessorize the living room with colorful throw pillows.

formal

The designer recommended adding bright cushions to the room to make it more attractive.

3

I just need to accessorize this outfit before we leave for the concert.

informal

I need to put on some jewelry or a belt to finish my look before we go out.

4

Marketing studies show that consumers are more likely to buy a base product if they can easily accessorize it.

academic

Research indicates people buy main items more often if they can add extra features to them.

5

Our brand helps professionals accessorize their business attire to project confidence.

business

Our company assists workers in adding the right details to their work clothes to look professional.

Word Family

Noun
accessory
Verb
accessorize
Adverb
accessorily
Adjective
accessory
Related
accessorization

Common Collocations

accessorize an outfit to add jewelry or belts to a set of clothes
accessorize with jewelry to use necklaces or rings to improve an appearance
fully accessorized having all possible extra parts or decorations
accessorize a room to add decorative items to a living space
elegantly accessorize to add extras in a very tasteful and stylish way

Common Phrases

accessorize to the nines

to add many high-quality accessories to look perfect

accessorize your life

to add small improvements or fun items to your daily routine

accessorize for success

to choose extra items that help create a professional image

Often Confused With

accessory vs accessary

'Accessary' is an older spelling often used in legal contexts (e.g., accessary to a crime), whereas 'accessory' is the standard spelling for fashion and technology.

📝

Usage Notes

The verb form is 'accessorize'. Use it when you are talking about the final touches that make a primary object look more complete or stylish.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often try to use 'accessory' as a verb (e.g., 'I will accessory my coat'); you must use the verb form 'accessorize' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'access' in accessory: extras give you 'access' to a better, more complete style.

📖

Word Origin

From Medieval Latin 'accessorius', meaning 'additional' or 'contributory'.

Grammar Patterns

Transitive verb: Requires a direct object (e.g., accessorize a suit). Intransitive use: 'She knows how to accessorize.' Often followed by the preposition 'with'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern Western fashion, accessorizing is considered a key skill for personal branding and self-expression.

Quick Quiz

The stylist suggested that I ______ my blue suit with a silver watch.

Correct!

The correct answer is: accessorize

Related Grammar Rules

Related Words

underpendsion

C1

The foundational support, basis, or underlying framework that provides stability and strength to a structure, theory, or organization. It refers to the core principles or physical elements that justify and hold up a larger system.

uniprivacy

C1

A conceptual term referring to a single, unified standard or framework of privacy protections applied consistently across different platforms, jurisdictions, or systems. It describes the state of having one streamlined set of data rights and security measures rather than fragmented or overlapping policies.

demarery

C1

A formal legal objection that admits the facts of an opponent's argument but denies that they are sufficient to justify a legal claim. It effectively argues that even if everything the opposing party says is true, there is no legal basis for a lawsuit.

translably

C1

The noun translably refers to the quality or degree to which a piece of text, an idea, or an expression can be effectively rendered into another language while preserving its original essence. It is a specialized linguistic term used to assess the feasibility of achieving semantic and cultural equivalence in translation tasks.

obfachood

C1

The state or condition of being deliberately obscure, hidden, or difficult to understand, particularly within a formal or technical system. It refers to the quality of a subject that has been rendered complex to prevent easy access or comprehension.

misdictile

C1

To transcribe or record spoken words incorrectly, especially in a manner that fundamentally alters the intended meaning or technical specifications of the message. It refers specifically to the failure of accuracy during the transition from auditory input to written or repeated output.

obgeotude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively preoccupied with physical location or geographical boundaries. It often refers to a mindset or policy that stubbornly prioritizes local physical presence over digital or global connectivity.

monotegate

C1

To consolidate multiple layers, systems, or categories into a single, unified structure. It is often used in technical or organizational contexts to describe the process of streamlining complex elements for the sake of efficiency or standardization.

autojecthood

C1

To transition a system, process, or entity into a state where it automatically identifies and rejects incompatible or non-compliant elements. It refers to the implementation of autonomous exclusion protocols to maintain system purity or efficiency.

contragratence

C1

A state or quality of being intentionally contrary or ungrateful, specifically characterized by a willful refusal to express gratitude or conform to expected social harmony. In academic or test-specific contexts, it often refers to a behavioral pattern of resisting positive social exchange.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free