“Accomplish” and “achieve” overlap in meaning. They both convey the idea of successfully completing something. There is often a certain amount of pride or satisfaction attached to both. The words “aim,” “goal,” “purpose,” and “objective” can be used as objects with both of these verbs.
However, “accomplish” has a more concrete feeling to it than “achieve.” In many cases,achieving something suggests notions of pride and honor. If someone asked how someone accomplished a certain goal, their answer would likely include how they actually completed it.
If someone asked how someone achieved a goal, their answer would likely include notions of persistence, dedication, self-discipline, or effort. Schools usually boast about helping students achieve their goals rather than helping students accomplish their goals. Achieving is more abstract and more profound than accomplishing.
We tend to use “accomplish” for both very large or important things, like passing a new law, and rather everyday things, like doing laundry or mowing the lawn. Note that the word “task” is not normally used with “achieve”—we don’t typically say “achieve a task.” We “accomplish a task.” When you “accomplish” something, you complete it. When you “achieve” something, you work toward it with dedication and eventually reach your goal.
In a different, more abstract sense, “achieve” means “to bring about through one’s cumulative efforts.” In this sense, “achieve” is followed by objects such as “excellence,” “success, “greatness,” “equality,” “perfection,” “peace,” and “fame.”
These types of objects are not generally used with “accomplish,” as they are not concrete things one directly achieves. Rather, these tasks that can be accomplished.
Usage
Below are some of the words that commonly follow the verbs “accomplish” and “achieve.” Looking at these, we can see an overlapping but different pattern of use for the two verbs.
Do you have questions about words that sound alike? Have questions about grammar and usage? We’re happy to help! Contact us through our Facebook, Twitter, or feedback page.
Until next time, Happy Wordsmything!