# acceptation

/ɐksɪptˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acceptation
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

the act of receiving or taking something, or the way a word is understood by a specific group of people. It is a very old-fashioned word that you will rarely see in modern writing.

For teachers: the act of receiving or taking something; also, the specific meaning or interpretation of a word as understood by a particular person or group.

## Examples

- The word has a different acceptation in this old book.
- In the 18th century, the term 'gay' had a different acceptation than it does today.
- The author's use of the word 'liberty' is subject to a specific acceptation that differs significantly from the common understanding of the term in contemporary political discourse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.