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accept

v.
US //ækˈsɛpt// UK //ɐksˈɛpt// ac·cept
  1. 1 to receive something offered (v.)
    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.

    Example

    She was happy to accept the job offer after the second interview.

    Example

    The board of directors voted unanimously to accept the merger proposal, citing the long-term benefits for the shareholders.
    Pitfall
    I 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.

  2. 2 to believe as true (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to believe that an explanation or a fact is true.

    to regard something as true, proper, or correct.

    Example

    Most people now accept that climate change is a serious problem.

    Example

    While the theory was initially controversial, the scientific community eventually accepted the findings after several independent studies confirmed the data.
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  1. 3 to admit to a group (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to allow someone to join a group, a school, or an organisation.

    to admit someone to a place, group, or status.

    Example

    He was thrilled when the university accepted his application.

    Example

    The prestigious academy only accepts a handful of applicants each year, maintaining a rigorous selection process based on both merit and potential.
  2. 4 to deal with a situation (v.)
    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.

    Example

    It took him a long time to accept that his injury meant he couldn't play football anymore.

    Example

    The community had to accept the reality of the economic downturn, pivoting their focus toward local sustainable initiatives instead of large-scale manufacturing.
  3. 5 to take as payment (v.)
    A2 Elementary Business

    to take a specific type of payment, like a credit card.

    to receive or take something as adequate or satisfactory for a transaction.

    Example

    Does this small café accept credit cards or is it cash only?

    Example

    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.
Origin

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.

Word family

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