Differences between account for and stand for
Account for means to explain or give a reason for something, while stand for means to represent or symbolize something.
Meanings and Definitions: account for vs stand for
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Account for
- 1To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the money that had gone missing.
Stand for
- 1Accept or tolerate behaviour.
I'm not going to STAND FOR their rudeness any longer.
- 2The words represented by certain initials.
' WHAT do the letters BBC STAND FOR?'' British Broadcasting Corporation.'
Usage Examples: account for, stand for in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
account for
Example
The manager must account for the missing funds.
Example
She accounts for her actions during the meeting.
stand for
Example
What does the acronym NASA stand for?
Example
The symbol stands for peace and unity.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Account for
give an explanation
To provide a reason or justification for something.
Example
The accountant had to give an explanation for the discrepancies in the financial report.
To show or prove that something is right or reasonable.
Example
He tried to justify his actions by explaining the circumstances that led to his decision.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stand for
To be a symbol or sign of something.
Example
The eagle represents freedom and strength in American culture.
symbolize
To stand for or represent something abstract or intangible.
Example
The dove symbolizes peace and harmony in many cultures around the world.
To represent or express a particular quality or idea.
Example
The statue embodies the spirit of resilience and determination of the city's residents.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “stand”
Differences in account for vs stand for: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: account for or stand for?
In daily conversation, people use account for more often than stand for. This is because account for is used in a variety of situations where we need to explain or justify something, while stand for is more specific and used in certain contexts such as politics or branding. So, while both phrases are used, account for is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of account for and stand for
Account for and stand for are both relatively formal phrases that are suitable for business, academic, or official contexts. They are not commonly used in casual conversations with friends and family.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of account for and stand for
The tone of account for and stand for can differ based on context. Account for often carries a serious or analytical tone when related to explaining or justifying something, while stand for typically has a symbolic or representative tone, especially when referring to a brand or political party.