Ac·com·plish v. t. [imp. & p. p. Accomplished p. pr. & vb. n. Accomplishing.]
1. To complete, as time or distance.
That He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. --Dan. ix. 2.
He had accomplished half a league or more. --Prescott.
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.
This that is written must yet be accomplished in me. --Luke xxii. 37.
3. To equip or furnish thoroughly; hence, to complete in acquirements; to render accomplished; to polish.
The armorers accomplishing the knights. --Shak.
It [the moon] is fully accomplished for all those ends to which Providence did appoint it. --Wilkins.
These qualities . . . go to accomplish a perfect woman. --Cowden Clarke.
4. To gain; to obtain. [Obs.]
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.”
He . . . expressed his desire to see a union accomplished between England and Scotland. --Macaulay.
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.”
To work in close design by fraud or guile
What force effected not. --Milton.
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.”
The Saints, like stars, around his seat
Perform their courses still. --Keble.
To achieve (to come to the end or arrive at one's purpose) usually implies some enterprise or undertaking of importance, difficulty, and excellence.
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