An accompaniment is something that goes along with something else to complete it or make it better. In music, an accompaniment is the background music that supports the main melody. When a pianist plays chords while a violinist performs the main tune, the piano is providing the accompaniment. When singers perform with a band, the instruments create an accompaniment that makes the voices sound fuller and richer.

Just like a good companion makes a journey more enjoyable, a good accompaniment enhances whatever it joins. A meal might come with side dishes as accompaniments: a grilled chicken breast might be served with roasted vegetables and rice to complete the dinner.

In everyday situations, you might hear someone say their laughter was the accompaniment to a funny story, or that thunder served as the accompaniment to heavy rain. The word suggests a supporting role rather than the starring one. The accompaniment matters, but it works in the background, making the main thing better without trying to steal the spotlight.