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What is the Meaning of “Accept”?

Accept
/əkˈsɛpt/

To take or agree to something that is offered or given.

Definition of Accept

Quick Meaning of Accept

To take or agree to something that is offered or given.

Detailed Definition of Accept

To receive something offered, or to admit as satisfactory.

How to Pronounce Accept

IPA: /əkˈsɛpt/
ac cept

Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).

Tip: Stress on second syllable: ack-SEP-tuh. Not 'EXCEPT'.

Watch out: Mispronounced as /ɛkˈsɛpt/ like 'except'.

Full pronunciation guide for “accept” →

Origin and Etymology of Accept

From Latin accipere: ad (to) + capere (to take).

How to Use Accept in a Sentence

Each example shows “accept” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “She decided to accept the job offer.”
    A2 daily
  • “The committee accepted his proposal without question.”
    B1 formal
  • “We must accept responsibility for our mistakes.”
    B2 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Accept

Common Synonyms for Accept

Smart Synonyms for Accept — When to Use Each

receive
focus on physically taking something offered
agree to
focus on mentally accepting a proposal or condition
tolerate
accept something unwanted but allow it anyway

Antonyms of Accept

See all synonyms for “accept” →

Common Collocations with Accept

These phrases pair with “accept” in everyday English:

  • accept responsibility
  • accept an offer
  • accept defeat

Common Mistakes When Using Accept

Even fluent speakers slip up with “accept”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: I accepted for the job yesterday.
✓ Correct: I accepted the job offer yesterday.
Why: Accept requires a noun object (the job offer), not preposition 'for'.
✗ Wrong: She accept the invitation.
✓ Correct: She accepts the invitation.
Why: Third person singular needs -s ending: accepts.

Words Confused With Accept

  • Accept vs Except: Sound alike but except is preposition/verb meaning exclude; accept is verb meaning receive Compare →

Other Forms of Accept

Frequently Asked Questions About Accept

What is the meaning of "Accept"?

To take or agree to something that is offered or given.

How do you pronounce "Accept"?

The IPA is /əkˈsɛpt/. Stress on second syllable: ack-SEP-tuh. Not 'EXCEPT'.

What part of speech is "Accept"?

"Accept" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Accept"?

Common synonyms include take, receive, agree to.

How do you use "Accept" in a sentence?

For example: "She decided to accept the job offer."

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