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admit

v.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ədˈmɪt// UK //ɐdmˈɪt// ad·mit General-service

v. to agree that something is true, especially when you are unhappy or embarrassed about it. You also use it when you let someone enter a place like a club or a hospital.

v. to acknowledge the truth or existence of something, often reluctantly; to allow entry to a place or organization.


SIMPLE

He finally had to admit that he was wrong.

CONTEXTUAL

After hours of questioning, the suspect decided to admit his involvement in the robbery to the police.

COMPLEX

The prestigious university will only admit students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and a commitment to community service.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English admitten, amitten, borrowed from Old French admettre, amettre (“to admit”), from Latin admittō (“to allow entrance, inlet”, literally “to send to”), from ad- + mittere (“to send”).

Usage

The verb is transitive. When used to mean confessing, it often takes a gerund ('admit doing') or a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

he admitted to steal the carhe admitted stealing the carWhen followed by another verb, admit takes the -ing form (gerund), not the infinitive.

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