accept
- 01 A2 Elementary
to say yes to an offer or to take something that someone gives you.
to receive something willingly; to agree to an offer, invitation, or gift.
Simple“She was happy to accept the job offer after the second interview.”
In context“The board of directors voted unanimously to accept the merger proposal, citing the long-term benefits for the shareholders.”
PitfallI accept to go with you. I agree to go with you.You accept a thing (a gift, an offer), but you agree to do an action. Do not use 'accept' followed by a 'to' verb.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to believe that an explanation or a fact is true.
to regard something as true, proper, or correct.
Simple“Most people now accept that climate change is a serious problem.”
In context“While the theory was initially controversial, the scientific community eventually accepted the findings after several independent studies confirmed the data.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
to allow someone to join a group, a school, or an organisation.
to admit someone to a place, group, or status.
Simple“He was thrilled when the university accepted his application.”
In context“The prestigious academy only accepts a handful of applicants each year, maintaining a rigorous selection process based on both merit and potential.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop trying to change something that is difficult and learn to live with it.
to endure or acknowledge a situation without opposition; to resign oneself to a reality.
Simple“It took him a long time to accept that his injury meant he couldn't play football anymore.”
In context“The community had to accept the reality of the economic downturn, pivoting their focus toward local sustainable initiatives instead of large-scale manufacturing.”
- 05 A2 Elementary
to take a specific type of payment, like a credit card.
to receive or take something as adequate or satisfactory for a transaction.
Simple“Does this small café accept credit cards or is it cash only?”
In context“The vendor refused to accept the shipment, noting that the goods had been damaged during transit and did not meet the contractual quality standards specified in the contract.”
accept vs agree — Accept is the act of receiving or approving something offered, while agree is the act of reaching a shared opinion or giving consent to a proposal.
Usage commonly accept · generally accept · readily accept
First attested about 1380. From Middle English accepten, borrowed from Old French accepter, or directly from Latin acceptō, acceptāre (“receive”), frequentative of accipiō, formed from ad- + capiō (“to take”). Displaced native Old English onfōn.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.