Accordingly means in a way that is appropriate to what has just been said or to the situation at hand. When you adjust your actions based on what you've learned or what's happening around you, you're acting accordingly.

If a teacher announces that tomorrow's test is cancelled, students might plan accordingly by spending their study time on other subjects instead. If weather forecasters predict heavy rain, a coach might cancel outdoor practice and schedule indoor drills accordingly. The word shows cause and effect: something happens or becomes known, and you respond in a fitting way.

You'll often see accordingly used when giving instructions or explaining decisions. A recipe might say, “if your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature accordingly.” A parent might tell you, “we'll leave at six o'clock, so plan accordingly,” meaning you should be ready by then.

The word suggests thoughtfulness and adaptation. Acting accordingly means you're paying attention to circumstances and making smart choices based on what you know. It's the opposite of being oblivious or inflexible. When you understand a situation and adjust your behavior to match it, you're responding accordingly.