accept
UK: əkˈsɛpt | US: əkˈsɛpt
vt. to receive or take willingly (e.g., an offer, idea, or responsibility)
vt. to regard as true or valid (e.g., a theory or excuse)
vt. to tolerate or endure without protest (e.g., a situation)
accept = ac<to> + cept<take>
- ac (variant of ad-, Latin for "to/toward")
- cept (from Latin capere, meaning "to take/seize")
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin accipere ("to take/receive"), accept entered Middle English via Old French accepter. The prefix ac- (assimilated form of ad-) emphasizes direction ("toward"), while -cept retains its core meaning of "taking." The word originally implied voluntary reception (e.g., accepting a gift) and later expanded to abstract concepts like accepting truth or circumstances.
She decided to accept the job offer despite the long commute.
The scientist’s theory was widely accepted by peers.
He struggled to accept the loss of his pet.
The school accepts applications until March.
Can you accept criticism without getting defensive?