Acceptance: meaning, definitions and examples

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acceptance

 

[əkˈsɛpt(ə)ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

The act of receiving or taking something offered. The state or process of being received or accepted.

Synonyms

agreement, approval, approval, consent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acceptance

Used when someone willingly receives or goes along with something, often implying approval or recognition.

  • Her acceptance of the award was heartfelt
  • He showed acceptance of the new policy
approval

Generally used when someone officially or personally grants permission or positive judgment.

  • She needed her boss's approval to start the new task
  • The project received government approval
agreement

Implied in contexts where two or more parties reach a mutual understanding or shared decision.

  • They finally came to an agreement about the project
  • The two countries signed a peace agreement
consent

Often used in situations where permission is explicitly required, especially in legal or formal contexts.

  • You need parental consent to go on the trip
  • They obtained written consent for the surgery

Examples of usage

  • She was surprised by the warm acceptance of her ideas by the group.
  • The acceptance of a new reality can be challenging for some people.
Context #2 | Noun

in finance

The action of agreeing to an offer or proposal, typically a contract or policy.

Synonyms

approval, confirmation, endorsement, ratification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acceptance

Used when acknowledging or agreeing to something, often something that was offered or proposed. Can also be related to acknowledging feelings or situations.

  • Her acceptance of the new role was a big step in her career.
  • Winning the award filled him with a sense of acceptance.
approval

Used when expressing agreement or favorable thoughts about an idea, person, or plan. It often reflects positive judgment.

  • The project received approval from the management team.
  • Her parents’ approval meant a lot to her.
endorsement

Used when someone publicly supports or recommends a product, person, or idea. It often involves influential or authoritative figures.

  • The athlete’s endorsement of the brand boosted its sales.
  • His endorsement of the policy influenced many voters.
ratification

Often used in legal, political, or official settings when formally approving a treaty, contract, or agreement. It indicates an official confirmation by an authoritative body.

  • The treaty required ratification by all member states.
  • The ratification of the agreement took several weeks to complete.
confirmation

Used when verifying or affirming something, usually facts or arrangements. It implies the finality and certainty of an agreement or information.

  • I received a confirmation email for my flight booking.
  • The confirmation of his appointment was announced yesterday.

Examples of usage

  • He signed the letter of acceptance for the job offer.
  • The bank confirmed the acceptance of the loan application.
Context #3 | Noun

in a social context

The action of willingly receiving or approving something.

Synonyms

embracement, inclusivity, openness, tolerance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acceptance

Used when referring to agreeing with or receiving something willingly, especially in social or formal settings.

  • Her acceptance of the award was graceful
  • The community's acceptance of the new policy took time
tolerance

Refers to the acceptance of differences or enduring situations respectfully. It sometimes has a neutral to slightly negative connotation as enduring rather than fully accepting.

  • Tolerance of different opinions is crucial in a democratic society
  • The neighbors showed great tolerance towards each other despite their differences
openness

Used when talking about a willingness to consider new ideas or share information freely, often in personal or organizational settings.

  • Her openness to feedback helped her improve
  • The company's openness about its mistakes earned it public respect
inclusivity

Often used in discussions about creating environments or cultures that welcome and integrate diverse individuals or groups.

  • The school's policy on inclusivity ensures that all students feel valued
  • Inclusivity in the workplace promotes better teamwork
embracement

Typically used when willingly and enthusiastically adopting or supporting something new, including ideas or changes.

  • The company's embracement of new technologies is impressive
  • His embracement of a healthier lifestyle inspired others

Examples of usage

  • The acceptance of different cultures is important for a diverse society.
  • The community showed acceptance towards the new residents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin 'acceptare', which means to take or receive.
  • It has roots in Old French as 'accepter', used in the 14th century to mean to receive with approval.
  • The modern term emerged in Middle English during the 15th century, reflecting the idea of welcoming or agreeing.

Psychology

  • Acceptance is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people deal with difficult thoughts and feelings.
  • Studies show that self-acceptance can lead to improved mental health and lower levels of anxiety.
  • In psychology, the acceptance stage is crucial during emotional healing, allowing individuals to move on from past experiences.

Cultural Significance

  • Acceptance is a core value in many cultures, promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse communities.
  • It is often celebrated during events like pride parades, where acceptance of different sexual orientations is emphasized.
  • Various religions encourage acceptance as a way to foster love and compassion among followers.

Literature

  • In literature, acceptance often plays a pivotal role in character development, highlighting the journey toward self-discovery.
  • Famous novels such as 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' explore themes of acceptance among peers and self.
  • Poets frequently use acceptance as a motif, expressing the beauty of embracing life’s uncertainties.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of acceptance is a popular theme in movies and television, often depicted as a transformative moment for characters.
  • Songs like 'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten highlight personal acceptance and the empowerment that follows.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes focus on acceptance, showcasing contestants learning to accept themselves and others.

Translations

Translations of the word "acceptance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aceitação

🇮🇳 स्वीकृति

🇩🇪 Annahme

🇮🇩 penerimaan

🇺🇦 прийняття

🇵🇱 akceptacja

🇯🇵 受け入れ (ukeire)

🇫🇷 acceptation

🇪🇸 aceptación

🇹🇷 kabul

🇰🇷 수용 (suyong)

🇸🇦 قبول (qubūl)

🇨🇿 přijetí

🇸🇰 prijatie

🇨🇳 接受 (jiēshòu)

🇸🇮 sprejem

🇮🇸 samþykki

🇰🇿 қабылдау

🇬🇪 მიღება (migheba)

🇦🇿 qəbul

🇲🇽 aceptación (same as Spanish)

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,548, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.