to be the explanation or cause of something
Example:
- The poor weather may have accounted for the small crowd.
- Oh well, that accounts for it (= I understand now why it happened).
- The differences in achievement between the pupils are partly accounted for by differences in age.
Related words and phrases
to give an explanation of something
Example:
- How do you account for the show's success?
- He was unable to account for the error.
- The increase can be fully accounted for.
Related words and phrases
to be a particular amount or part of something
Example:
- The Japanese market accounts for 35 per cent of the company's revenue.