Accept: meaning, definitions and examples

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accept

 

[ əkˈsɛpt ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

to agree to something

To accept means to agree to take something, usually with a positive attitude. It implies a willingness to receive or undertake something offered.

Synonyms

acknowledge, agree to, take on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accept

Use it when you are willing to receive something offered or when you acknowledge a situation without resistance.

  • She decided to accept the job offer.
  • He had to accept the reality of the situation.
agree to

Use it when giving consent to a proposition, plan, or request.

  • She agreed to the terms and conditions.
  • They agreed to meet at noon.
take on

Use it when you agree to handle a task, responsibility, or challenge, often indicating willingness to face something new or difficult.

  • She decided to take on the new project.
  • He took on the role of team leader.
acknowledge

Use it when you recognize or admit the existence or truth of something, often formally.

  • He acknowledged that he was wrong.
  • The company acknowledged the receipt of the letter.

Examples of usage

  • She accepted the job offer without hesitation.
  • I accept your apology.
  • He accepted the challenge and started training.
  • The team accepted the defeat graciously.
  • The company accepted the terms of the contract.
Context #2 | Verb

to receive something

Accept can also mean to receive something that is being offered or given. It involves taking something into one's possession.

Synonyms

obtain, receive, take.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accept

Use when willingly agreeing to receive something or approve of something.

  • She decided to accept the job offer
  • He accepted the apology without hesitation
receive

Use when getting something that has been sent or given, often in a formal or neutral context.

  • I received a package in the mail today
  • She received an award for her outstanding performance
take

Use when physically getting or holding something, or assuming responsibility or control. It can sometimes carry a more forceful or negative connotation.

  • Please, take this book with you
  • She decided to take charge of the project
obtain

Use when acquiring something through effort or request, often implying a process or striving.

  • He managed to obtain a visa for his trip
  • The researcher obtained permission to use the data

Examples of usage

  • She accepted the gift with gratitude.
  • The university accepted his application for admission.
  • He accepted the award on behalf of his team.
  • The restaurant accepts cash and credit cards.
  • The charity accepts donations year-round.
Context #3 | Noun

a willingness to receive or undertake something offered

Accept can be used as a noun to refer to the action or process of accepting or being accepted.

Synonyms

agreement, approval, reception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accept

Use in general situations when someone agrees to receive or take something willingly, including non-material things like opinions or ideas.

  • She decided to accept the job offer.
  • He accepted their apology graciously.
approval

Indicates formal consent or a positive response, often from someone in authority or with the power to give permission.

  • He waited for his manager's approval before proceeding with the project.
  • The plan received official approval from the board.
reception

Refers to the way in which something is received or the event of welcoming someone or something, often used in context of events or greetings.

  • The new policy had a mixed reception from the employees.
  • They held a reception to welcome the new students.
agreement

Best used to describe a formal consensus or contract between two or more parties, indicating mutual consent.

  • They reached an agreement after hours of negotiation.
  • The agreement was signed by both parties.

Examples of usage

  • His accept of the challenge impressed everyone.
  • She showed great accept in the face of adversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "accept" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aceitar

🇮🇳 स्वीकार करना (Swīkār karnā)

🇩🇪 akzeptieren

🇮🇩 menerima

🇺🇦 приймати

🇵🇱 zaakceptować

🇯🇵 受け入れる (Ukeireru)

🇫🇷 accepter

🇪🇸 aceptar

🇹🇷 kabul etmek

🇰🇷 받아들이다 (Badadeulida)

🇸🇦 قبول (Qabūl)

🇨🇿 přijmout

🇸🇰 prijať

🇨🇳 接受 (Jiēshòu)

🇸🇮 sprejeti

🇮🇸 samþykkja

🇰🇿 қабылдау (Qabyldaw)

🇬🇪 მიღება (Migeba)

🇦🇿 qəbul etmək

🇲🇽 aceptar

Etymology

The word 'accept' originated from the Latin word 'acceptare', which is derived from 'accipere', meaning 'to take, receive'. The usage of 'accept' has evolved over time to encompass both the act of agreeing to something and receiving something. It has become an essential part of communication and interaction in various languages and cultures.

See also: acceptability, acceptable, acceptably, acceptance, accepted, accepting, acceptingly, unacceptable, unacceptably, unaccepted.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,306, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.