Definition of the word according to

The phrase "according to" is a preposition used in English to indicate that information being presented is based on or derived from a specific source. Its origin can be traced back to the Old French word "conforme," which means "in the form of" or "following." This word evolved into the Middle English "aconforme," which further transformed into "according to" during the Renaissance era. The phrase gained popularity in the 16th century, thanks to the growth of scholarship and the emergence of scientific inquiry, as scholars began to seek and present evidence for their claims. Today, "according to" is an essential part of written and spoken discourse, helping to maintain academic rigor and accuracy, as well as to distinguish between fact and opinion.