What is accede? Pronunciation and usage in English

accede means . Learn how to pronounce and use accede through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of accede

accedeverb

/əkˈsiːd//əkˈsiːd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accede." It's a tricky one for English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sound:

  • The "ac" sound: This is the most important part. It’s pronounced like the "a" in "cat" – a short, open "ah" sound. Think of it as "ah-ceede."

2. The "cede" Part:

  • "cede" sounds like "seed": It's not like "say" or "see." It’s a short, clear "seed" sound. You're essentially saying "seed-eh."

3. Putting it together:

  • "ah-seed-eh" – That’s the whole word!

Here's a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (though it’s harder to read without knowing the symbols):

  • /ˈæk.siːd/ (This broad approximation)

Tips & Common Mistakes:

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  • Give you some example sentences using the word "accede"?

Usage and examples with the word accede in English

The word "accede" is a somewhat formal and less common word in modern English. It primarily means to gain access to something or to accept or agree to something. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. Gaining Access (Most Common Use)

  • Meaning: To obtain permission or the right to enter, use, or participate in something.
  • Typical Phrases: accede to, accede to a request, accede to entry
  • Examples:
    • "The journalist was finally able to accede to the restricted area of the prison." (gain access)
    • "The committee reluctantly acceded to the proposal after much debate." (gain access to consideration)
    • “He managed to accede to the roof through a secret passage.” (gain access)

2. Accepting or Agreeing (More Formal)

  • Meaning: To formally acknowledge or accept something, especially a statement, decision, or principle. This is a more formal synonym for “agree” or “consent.”
  • Typical Phrases: accede to a statement, accede to a ruling, accede to terms
  • Examples:
    • "The judge acceded to the defendant's request for a longer recess." (agreed to)
    • "The council acceded to the public's demands for improved safety measures." (agreed to)
    • "The treaty was acceded to by all participating nations." (formally accepted)

Key Differences & Considerations:

  • Formal Tone: "Accede" is generally more formal than words like "gain," "get," "obtain," or "agree." Use it in writing or in situations where a slightly more elevated tone is appropriate.
  • Less Common: You’ll hear “gain access” far more frequently in everyday conversations than “accede.”
  • Legal & Official Contexts: It’s frequently found in legal documents, official statements, and academic writing.

Synonyms:

Here are some alternative words you can use depending on the context:

  • For gaining access: obtain, secure, gain, enter, access
  • For accepting/agreeing: agree, consent, accept, acknowledge, approve

Resources for Further Study:

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Synonyms for the word accede

Practice with vocabulary accede

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee decided to ________ to the protest group's demands for greater transparency in funding.
  2. After lengthy negotiations, both parties finally managed to ________ on the terms of the new trade agreement.
  3. Upon the monarch's passing, the crown prince was prepared to ________ to the throne, as dictated by ancient tradition.
  4. Employees are expected to ________ with all safety regulations while working on the factory floor to prevent accidents.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After weeks of diplomatic pressure, the nation reluctantly agreed to ________ to the international treaty. a) concede b) comply c) accede d) succeed

  2. The committee decided to ________ the new budget proposal after several revisions. a) sanction b) endorse c) concede d) approve

  3. The young monarch was expected to ________ the throne formally in a grand coronation ceremony next month. a) assume b) accede c) succeed to d) take over

  4. Despite strong opposition, the CEO refused to ________ on the decision to close the unprofitable division. a) give in b) concede c) acquiesce d) agree

  5. The community leaders urged the council to ________ their petition for improved local amenities. a) accede to b) consent to c) grant d) agree to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government eventually agreed to the demands of the striking workers. Rewrite using "accede" or related word forms:

  2. After years of dedicated service, she will take up the position of CEO next quarter. Rewrite, but do not use "accede" or related word forms:

  3. The negotiating team gave in to the pressure and accepted the controversial clauses in the trade agreement. Rewrite using "accede" or related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. accede
  2. agree
  3. accede
  4. comply

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) accede
  2. a) sanction, b) endorse, d) approve
  3. a) assume, b) accede, c) succeed to, d) take over
  4. a) give in, b) concede, c) acquiesce
  5. a) accede to, b) consent to, c) grant, d) agree to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government eventually acceded to the demands of the striking workers.
  2. After years of dedicated service, she will assume the position of CEO next quarter.
  3. The negotiating team had to accede to the controversial clauses in the trade agreement.

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