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.