Cool MateAccomplish vs Fulfill
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accomplish
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Fulfill
Top 2,000 (common)B1
Most common: Accomplish
| Accomplish | Fulfill | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈkʌmplɪʃ/","/əˈkʌmplɪʃɪz/","/əˈkʌmplɪʃt/","/əˈkʌmplɪʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈkɑːmplɪʃ/","/əˈkɑːmplɪʃɪz/","/əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/","/əˈkɑːmplɪʃɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //fʊlˈfɪl//🇺🇸 //fʊlˈfɪl// |
| Meaning | To successfully complete something. | To do what is required or promised. |
| Example | The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished. | She worked hard to fulfill her dreams. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | successfully, easily | fulfill a dream, fulfill a promise, fulfill a requirement, fulfill one's duties |
| Antonyms | fail, neglect, abandon | neglect, disappoint, fail |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'accomplished' which is an adjective., Using 'accomplish' without an object (e.g., saying 'I accomplish.' instead of 'I accomplish my goals.'). | Confused with 'fill' — remember they mean different things., Using it without an object is incorrect; you always need to say what you fulfill., Often misspelled as 'fulfil' without the second 'l' in American English. |
| Usage notes | Use 'accomplish' when referring to achieving goals or tasks, typically in a positive context. It may not be appropriate for casual or less formal situations where simpler words like 'do' might work better. | Used in formal and everyday contexts. It's appropriate when discussing commitments, expectations, or requirements. |
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Frequently asked questions: Accomplish vs Fulfill
What's the difference between Accomplish and Fulfill?
Accomplish: To successfully complete something. Fulfill: To do what is required or promised.
Which is more common: Accomplish and Fulfill?
Accomplish is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Accomplish and Fulfill?
Accomplish is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Accomplish and Fulfill the same CEFR level?
Accomplish: B2, Fulfill: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Accomplish: The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished. Fulfill: She worked hard to fulfill her dreams.
Can I use Accomplish and Fulfill interchangeably?
Not always. Accomplish and Fulfill are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.