What is acceptable? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of acceptable

acceptableadjective

/əkˈsɛptəbl/
Definition & pronunciation of acceptable

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

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • ac-cep-ta-ble - We'll focus on each syllable.

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • ac: Sounds like "ak" - like the "a" in "apple." (Pronounced as /æk/)
  • cep: Sounds like "sep" – like the beginning of “September.” (Pronounced as /sep/)
  • ta: Sounds like "tah" – like the "a" in "father." (Pronounced as /tə/)
  • ble: Sounds like "bluh" – a short, unstressed "uh" sound. (Pronounced as /bl/)

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: Akk-sep-tah-bluh

4. Faster: When spoken naturally, it flows together a bit. A good approximation is: Ak-sep-tuh-bluh

5. Key Points & Tips:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable – "cep." This is what makes it "ak-sep-tah-bluh" and not "ak-sep-tuh-bluh".
  • "a" in "acceptable": The "a" in "ac" is a short "a" sound, like in "apple." Don't pronounce it like the "a" in "cat."
  • "uh" in "ble": The "uh" in "ble" is vital. It’s a very short, unstressed vowel sound. It’s often easy to accidentally pronounce it as a long "e" (like in "bed"). Think of it as a quick, tiny "uh."

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word acceptable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "acceptable" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it’s important to understand its nuances.

1. Basic Meaning:

At its core, "acceptable" means satisfactory, tolerable, or good enough. It indicates that something meets a minimum standard or requirement.

2. How to Use It - Different Contexts:

  • Describing Quality: This is the most common use.

    • "The report was acceptable, but it needed more data." (It was okay, but not great)
    • "The food was acceptable – nothing special, but it filled me up." (It was adequate)
    • "The hotel room was acceptable for the price." (It was okay given the cost)

  • Accepting a Proposal/Suggestion: You can use it to show you’re willing to consider something.

    • "I’m acceptable with your proposed schedule." (I agree with it.)
    • "The offer is acceptable under certain conditions." (I'll agree, but only with these factors.)

  • Describing Behavior/Conduct:

    • "His behavior was acceptable in the context of the situation." (His behavior was appropriate for what was happening)
    • “The level of noise was acceptable during the break.” (It was a reasonable amount of noise)

  • Referring to Limits or Standards:

    • "The amount of pollution is acceptable according to current regulations." (It’s within the legal limit)
    • "She met the acceptable range for her blood pressure." (Her blood pressure was within an acceptable range).

3. Key Differences and Related Words:

  • Acceptable vs. Good: “Acceptable” is more about meeting a minimum standard. “Good” implies a higher level of quality.

    • Example: “The coffee was acceptable” (it was drinkable) vs. “The coffee was good” (it was delicious).

  • Acceptable vs. Adequate: These words are often interchangeable, but "adequate" tends to emphasize “enough” rather than necessarily “satisfactory.”

    • "We have an adequate supply of food." (We have enough food)
    • "The solution is acceptable." (It works and is satisfactory).

  • Suitable: "Suitable" means appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose.

    • “This car is suitable for city driving.”

4. Phrases Using “Acceptable”:

  • “It’s acceptable to ask for help.”
  • “I found his apology to be acceptable.”
  • “The damage was deemed acceptable.” (meaning repairable).

5. Tone and Formality:

“Acceptable” is generally a relatively neutral word. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

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  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’d like to use the word "acceptable"?

Synonyms for the word acceptable

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