admit
UK: ədˈmɪt | US: ədˈmɪt
vt. to confess or acknowledge something, often reluctantly
vt. to allow someone to enter a place or join a group
vi. to grant entry or access (e.g., "This ticket admits one person")
The word "admit" originates from Latin admittere, combining ad- (direction) and mittere (to send). The literal sense was "to allow to enter" (as if sending someone toward a place). Over time, it expanded to include abstract meanings like "acknowledge" (sending truth forward) or "grant access." The core logic ties physical entry (e.g., admitting someone to a club) to metaphorical entry (e.g., admitting a mistake).
She refused to admit her mistake despite clear evidence.
The university will admit 500 new students this fall.
This pass admits two adults to the museum.
He finally admitted to stealing the cookies.
The theater admits latecomers only during intermission.