A2verb1K

Accept

UK /["/əkˈsept/","/əkˈsepts/","/əkˈseptɪd/","/əkˈseptɪŋ/"]/US /["/əkˈsept/","/əkˈsepts/","/əkˈseptɪd/","/əkˈseptɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to take willingly something that is offered; to say ‘yes’ to an offer, invitation, etc.

In simple words: To agree to receive something or to believe it is true.

Examples

  • I am happy to accept your invitation to the party.
  • He did not accept the terms of the contract.
  • You need to accept that changes are sometimes necessary.
  • She was eager to accept the award for her performance.
  • I can only accept cash payments at this store.
  • He found it hard to accept her decision to move away.
  • The committee will accept applications until the end of the month.
  • I hope you can accept my apology for being late.
  • It’s important to accept responsibility for your actions.

Usage notes

Used when someone agrees to something offered, like an invitation or a proposal. It's appropriate in both formal and casual contexts but may become less common in very informal speech.

Grammar pattern

accept + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'except' but with an 'A' for agreement; imagine saying yes to a gift.

Collocations

  • eagerly
  • gladly
  • graciously
  • be glad to
  • be happy to
  • be reluctant to
  • from
  • happily
  • readily
  • fully
  • be happy to
  • be prepared to
  • be ready to
  • be commonly accepted
  • be generally accepted
  • be universally accepted
  • eagerly
  • gladly
  • graciously
  • be glad to
  • be happy to
  • be reluctant to
  • from
  • happily
  • readily
  • fully
  • be happy to
  • be prepared to
  • be ready to
  • be commonly accepted
  • be generally accepted
  • be universally accepted
  • happily
  • readily
  • fully
  • be happy to
  • be prepared to
  • be ready to
  • be commonly accepted
  • be generally accepted
  • be universally accepted

Synonyms

  • receive
  • embrace
  • approve
  • acknowledge
  • consent

Antonyms

  • reject
  • decline
  • refuse

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'except' - remember 'accept' means to receive.
  • Using 'accept' without an object - always specify what is being accepted.
  • Mixing up 'accept' and 'admit' - 'accept' is about receiving, while 'admit' often implies recognition.