What is accept? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of accept

acceptverb

/əkˈsɛpt/
Definition & pronunciation of accept

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accept" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "Ac-": This part sounds like "ack" – like the "ack" in "attack."
  • "-cept": This part sounds like "sept" – like the "sept" in "September."

2. Putting it Together:

So, you say it as "ACK-sept" (rhymes with "expect").

3. Stress:

The stress is on the first syllable, "ACK." This is the most common mistake; people often emphasize the second syllable ("sept").

4. A Helpful Tip:

Imagine you’re saying "ack-sept" quickly, combining the sounds smoothly.

Resources to Hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences with "accept" in them?

Usage and examples with the word accept in English

Let's break down how to use the word "accept" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so it's important to understand them.

1. To Receive or Agree to Something:

This is the most common usage. "Accept" means to receive something willingly, or to agree to do or allow something.

  • Receiving:

    • “I accept this gift with gratitude.” (Receiving a present)
    • “She accepted the delivery of the package.” (Receiving a shipment)
    • “The restaurant accepted our reservation.” (Receiving a booking)

  • Agreeing:

    • “I accept your apology.” (Agreeing to forgive)
    • “He accepted the job offer.” (Agreeing to a proposition)
    • “We accept your terms and conditions.” (Agreeing to rules – common in online agreements)
    • “Do you accept my invitation to the party?” (Asking for agreement to attend)

2. To Tolerate or Put Up With:

“Accept” can also mean to tolerate something unpleasant or difficult. This usage is often combined with “the fact that” or “that.”

  • “I have to accept the fact that he’s going through a difficult time.” (Accept the reality of a situation)
  • “She accepted that she made a mistake.” (Accepted the consequences of her actions)
  • “You have to accept that you can’t win every argument.” (Accepting an inevitable outcome)

3. Formal Acceptances (Often with “it”):

This form is more formal and often used in official contexts, particularly in writing.

  • “The committee accepted the proposal.”
  • “The judge accepted the defendant’s plea.”
  • “The university accepted her application.”

Key Phrases and Patterns:

  • Accept something: (e.g., "Accept a gift," "Accept an offer")
  • Accept that: (e.g., "Accept that it's over," "Accept the consequences")
  • Accept someone: (less common, but can be used – e.g., "I accept your criticism.")

Synonyms:

  • Receive
  • Agree to
  • Tolerate
  • Endure
  • Allow

How to Distinguish the Meanings:

  • Focus on action: If you’re talking about receiving something tangible (a gift, a package), use “accept.”
  • Focus on willingness: If you’re talking about agreeing to something, use “accept.”
  • Focus on tolerance: If you’re talking about dealing with a difficult reality, use “accept that.”

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences in a specific context (e.g., business, social situations, academic writing)?
  • Explain the difference between "accept" and similar words like "agree," "welcome," or "tolerate" in more detail?
  • Provide you with some exercises to practice using "accept"?

Synonyms for the word accept

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