B1verb1K

Admit

UK /["/ədˈmɪt/","/ədˈmɪts/","/ədˈmɪtɪd/","/ədˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ədˈmɪt/","/ədˈmɪts/","/ədˈmɪtɪd/","/ədˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to agree, often unwillingly, that something is true

In simple words: To say that something is true, especially something you want to keep secret.

Examples

  • She had to admit that she was wrong about the decision.
  • Can you admit your mistake and apologize?
  • He admitted to breaking the window during the game.
  • The university will admit a number of new students this fall.
  • Only members are admitted to the exclusive club.

Usage notes

Use in contexts where someone is confessing or acknowledging something. It's suitable in both personal and formal scenarios. Avoid in very casual conversations where simpler words might suffice.

Grammar pattern

admit + object

Memory hint

Think of 'admit' as 'a-mit' — imagine a person finally 'mit' — admitting a secret.

Collocations

  • freely
  • readily
  • frankly
  • be forced to
  • have to
  • must
  • to
  • I don’t mind admitting
  • freely
  • readily
  • frankly
  • be forced to
  • have to
  • must
  • to
  • I don’t mind admitting

Synonyms

  • acknowledge
  • confess
  • recognize
  • accept
  • affirm

Antonyms

  • deny
  • refuse

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'admit' vs 'accept' - they have different meanings.
  • Using 'admit' without an object, e.g., saying 'I admit' without specifying what.
  • Incorrectly using 'admit to' with a noun, instead of 'admit' with a clause.