from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Accomplish \Ac*com"plish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Accomplished},
p. pr. & vb. n. {Accomplishing}.] [OE. acomplissen, OF.
accomplir, F. accomplir; L. ad + complere to fill up,
complete. See {Complete}, {Finish}.]
1. To complete, as time or distance.
[1913 Webster]
That He would accomplish seventy years in the
desolations of Jerusalem. --Dan. ix. 2.
[1913 Webster]
He had accomplished half a league or more.
--Prescott.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
This that is written must yet be accomplished in me.
--Luke xxii.
37.
[1913 Webster]
3. To equip or furnish thoroughly; hence, to complete in
acquirements; to render accomplished; to polish.
[1913 Webster]
The armorers accomplishing the knights. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
It [the moon] is fully accomplished for all those
ends to which Providence did appoint it. --Wilkins.
[1913 Webster]
These qualities . . . go to accomplish a perfect
woman. --Cowden
Clarke.
[1913 Webster]
4. To gain; to obtain. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
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." --1
Kings v. 9.
[1913 Webster]
He . . . expressed his desire to see a union
accomplished between England and Scotland.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster] 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." --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
To work in close design by fraud or guile
What force effected not. --Milton.
[1913 Webster] 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." --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
The Saints, like stars, around his seat
Perform their courses still. --Keble.
[1913 Webster] To achieve (to come to the end or
arrive at one's purpose) usually implies some
enterprise or undertaking of importance, difficulty,
and excellence.
[1913 Webster]