according to
Advanced English dictionary
preposition1 as stated or reported by sb/sth: According to Mick, it's a great movie. + You've been absent six times according to our records.
2 following or agreeing with sth: The work was done according to her instructions. + Everything went according to plan. + The salary will be fixed according to qualifications and experience.
Thesaurus dictionary
adv. phr.
1 on the authority of, consistent with, in conformity or agreement with, as said or believed or maintained etc. by:
We are going to play this game according to Hoyle. According to his lawyer, he should never have been acquitted.
2 conformable to, consistent with, in conformity with, commensurate with:
The queen greeted them in order, according to rank.
