Accept Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👍
accept
[əkˈsɛpt ]
Definitions
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accept |
Use it when you are willing to receive something offered or when you acknowledge a situation without resistance.
|
| agree to |
Use it when giving consent to a proposition, plan, or request.
|
| take on |
Use it when you agree to handle a task, responsibility, or challenge, often indicating willingness to face something new or difficult.
|
| acknowledge |
Use it when you recognize or admit the existence or truth of something, often formally.
|
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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accept |
Use when willingly agreeing to receive something or approve of something.
|
| receive |
Use when getting something that has been sent or given, often in a formal or neutral context.
|
| take |
Use when physically getting or holding something, or assuming responsibility or control. It can sometimes carry a more forceful or negative connotation.
|
| obtain |
Use when acquiring something through effort or request, often implying a process or striving.
|
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.
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?
| 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.
|
| approval |
Indicates formal consent or a positive response, often from someone in authority or with the power to give permission.
|
| 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.
|
| agreement |
Best used to describe a formal consensus or contract between two or more parties, indicating mutual consent.
|
Examples of usage
- His accept of the challenge impressed everyone.
- She showed great accept in the face of adversity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychological acceptance involves recognizing reality without trying to change it, often linked to mindfulness practices.
- Studies show that accepting negative feelings can lead to improved emotional well-being and reduce stress.
- Acceptance is often a crucial step in personal growth and recovery, helping individuals move forward.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures approach acceptance in varied ways; for example, some value communal acceptance over individual opinion.
- The concept of acceptance is pivotal in many philosophical teachings, encouraging people to embrace life's challenges.
- In many societies, accepting diversity is foundational for social harmony and coexistence.
Literature
- In classic literature, the theme of acceptance often appears as characters learn to embrace their flaws or circumstances.
- Acceptance is a central theme in many coming-of-age stories, where protagonists learn to accept themselves and others.
- Famous works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' deal with challenges to acceptance in personal and societal contexts.
Everyday Usage
- In modern language, 'accept' is frequently used in contexts like job offers, invitations, and apologies.
- Online platforms often require users to 'accept' terms and conditions, highlighting its role in digital interactions.
- The phrase 'accept what you can't change' reflects common advice for coping in difficult situations.
Origin of 'accept'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'accept' comes from the Latin 'acceptare', meaning 'to take or receive'.
- In Old French, the term was 'accepter', which retained a similar meaning to take.
- The prefix 'ac-' in 'accept' means 'to' or 'toward', while 'cept' stems from 'capere', meaning 'to take'.
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.