What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accessory
Example
She wore a beautiful necklace as an accessory to her dress. [accessory: noun]
Example
The phone case is not necessary, but it is a nice accessory to have. [accessory: adjective]
Example
The detective's assistant was a crucial accessory to solving the case. [accessory: noun]
addition
Example
I made an addition to the recipe by adding some extra spices. [addition: noun]
Example
What is the sum of the addition of 5 and 7? [addition: noun]
Example
The new wing was a great addition to the museum. [addition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Addition is more commonly used than accessory in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is used in various contexts. Accessory is less common and is typically used in specific contexts, such as fashion or design.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accessory and addition?
Both accessory and addition can be used in formal and informal contexts, but addition is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
