Accessory vs. Accessary — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Accessory typically refers to supplementary items or fashion items, whereas accessary denotes someone complicit in a crime.
Difference Between Accessory and Accessary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An accessory is often used to describe items that add functionality or style to another object, such as jewelry, bags, or car parts. On the other hand, an accessary is a legal term that describes a person who assists in the commission of a crime.
In fashion, an accessory can be a piece that complements a person's outfit, enhancing their overall look. Whereas an accessary in a legal context specifically refers to someone who supports or enables another in committing a criminal act.
Accessories in technology might include items like phone cases or headphones, which serve to either protect or augment the use of the main device. On the other hand, the role of an accessary is more clandestine, often involving secret or indirect support to facilitate a crime.
In vehicles, accessories might include custom seat covers or dashboard cameras that add extra features or comfort. In contrast, an accessary in crime might help in planning the crime or escaping from the crime scene.
Accessories are optional and often interchangeable, allowing for customization based on personal preference or specific needs. Conversely, an accessary's involvement in criminal activities is typically characterized by necessity and secrecy.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Supplementary item enhancing main object.
Someone who aids in a crime.
Usage in Context
Fashion, technology, vehicles.
Legal, criminal context.
Purpose
Enhancement, customization.
Assisting in crime.
Nature of Contribution
Optional and interchangeable.
Necessary and secretive.
Example of Usage
Fashion accessories like hats.
Accessary to robbery.
Compare with Definitions
Accessory
Non-essential but desirable items that contribute to a fashion or style.
His outfit was completed with several shiny accessories.
Accessary
A person who helps another commit a crime.
The driver was an accessary to the robbery.
Accessory
An object or device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else.
A stylish scarf is the perfect accessory for her dress.
Accessary
A collaborator in an illegal activity.
He was deemed an accessary despite his minor role.
Accessory
Add-ons that enhance the functionality or appearance of a device.
She bought a new accessory for her smartphone.
Accessary
A helper in crime, especially without being the main actor.
The lookout played an accessary role during the theft.
Accessory
A supplementary component that improves capability.
The camera accessory kit includes additional lenses.
Accessary
An accomplice not present at the crime scene but involved.
She was an accessary after the fact by hiding the evidence.
Accessory
Attachments that add functionality to a basic tool or machine.
The shop offers a range of power tool accessories.
Accessary
Someone legally accountable for assisting in a criminal act.
As an accessary before the fact, she faced severe charges.
Accessory
A subordinate or supplementary item; an adjunct.
Accessary
(legal) Someone who accedes to some act, now especially a crime; one who contributes as an assistant or instigator to the commission of an offense.
Accessory
Something nonessential but desirable that contributes to an effect or result.
Accessary
(legal) Accompanying as a subordinate; additional; accessory; especially, uniting in, or contributing to, a crime, but not as chief actor. See accessory.
Accessory
(Law) One who knowingly assists a lawbreaker in the commission of a crime but does not actually participate in that crime.
Accessary
Accompanying, as a subordinate; additional; accessory; esp., uniting in, or contributing to, a crime, but not as chief actor. See Accessory.
To both their deaths thou shalt be accessary.
Amongst many secondary and accessary causes that support monarchy, these are not of least reckoning.
Accessory
Having a secondary, supplementary, or subordinate function.
Accessary
One who, not being present, contributes as an assistant or instigator to the commission of an offense.
Accessory
(Law) Involving the knowing assistance of a lawbreaker in the commission of a crime without actual participation in the crime.
Accessary
Someone who helps another person commit a crime
Accessory
Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; contributing or being contributory.
Accessory garments
Surprise parties succeed with the help of accessory neighbors or colleagues.
Accessory
(legal) Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal.
Her actions were clearly accessory because they helped him commit and probably also conceal the crime.
Accessory
Present in a minor amount, and not essential.
Accessory mineral
Accessory
Something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.
The accessories of a mobile phone
Accessory
(fashion) An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.
Accessory
(legal) A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.
She was an accessory to the murder because she helped him commit and probably also conceal the crime.
Accessory
(art) Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts.
Accessory
Accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; additional; connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or contributory; said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory to the riot; accessory sounds in music.
Accessory
That which belongs to something else deemed the principal; something additional and subordinate.
Accessory
Anything that enters into a work of art without being indispensably necessary, as mere ornamental parts.
Accessory
Clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing
Accessory
A supplementary component that improves capability
Accessory
Someone who helps another person commit a crime
Accessory
Relating to something that is added but is not essential;
An ancillary pump
An adjuvant discipline to forms of mysticism
The mind and emotions are auxilliary to each other
Common Curiosities
Can an accessory be a necessity?
While accessories are typically optional and supplementary, some like phone cases or vehicle snow tires can feel almost necessary for protection or specific conditions.
What is an accessory in fashion?
An accessory in fashion refers to items like belts, hats, and jewelry that complement and enhance an outfit.
Is there a difference between an accessory and an add-on?
Both terms generally mean supplementary parts, but "accessory" is more common in fashion, while "add-on" is often used in contexts like software or services.
How does one become an accessary to a crime?
A person becomes an accessary to a crime by assisting or encouraging the principal offender, either before or after the crime is committed.
What types of products are considered accessories in technology?
In technology, accessories include items like charging cables, earphones, and protective cases that enhance or support the main device's functionality.
Are vehicle accessories only for aesthetics?
No, vehicle accessories can also include functional items like roof racks, GPS systems, and custom lighting, which enhance both the aesthetics and utility of a vehicle.
How do fashion accessories influence personal style?
Fashion accessories like watches, necklaces, and hats can define or completely transform personal style, adding distinctiveness and flair to basic clothing.
What makes someone an accessary after the fact?
An accessary after the fact is a person who knowingly assists someone who has committed a crime, in order to help them avoid arrest, trial, or conviction.
What does accessary mean in legal terms?
In legal terms, an accessary is someone who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.
Are there ethical concerns associated with purchasing accessories?
Yes, ethical concerns such as sustainability and labor practices can influence decisions in purchasing accessories, especially in fashion and technology.
What is an accessary before the fact?
An accessary before the fact is someone who aids, abets, or encourages the commission of a crime but is not present during the crime itself.
What role do accessories play in consumer electronics?
In consumer electronics, accessories can extend the usability of devices, offer protection, or enhance performance, such as with external hard drives or game console controllers.
Can accessories be used in home decor?
Yes, home decor accessories such as vases, lamps, and wall art play a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a living space.
Is it possible for an accessory to become essential?
Yes, certain accessories like smartphone chargers or computer software can become essential to the function of the primary device.
How is the term accessary typically used in popular media?
In popular media, the term accessary is often associated with crime dramas or news reports where individuals are implicated in supporting criminal activities.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
