acknowledge and accept

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   To admit that something is true or real and then agree to it or take it as binding.

   Grammar: Used as a pair of verbs, usually with one object covering both: acknowledge and accept the terms.

   Patterns

   • acknowledge and accept something
   • acknowledge and accept that + clause
   • acknowledge and accept responsibility for something

   By signing here, you acknowledge and accept the conditions of the rental agreement.

   She finally acknowledged and accepted that the decision could not be changed.

   The company acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the delay.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   To recognize a fact or situation and stop resisting it, especially something unpleasant.

   Grammar: Often used about feelings, loss, or limits; the object is usually an abstract noun or a that-clause.

   Patterns

   • acknowledge and accept something
   • acknowledge and accept that + clause

   It took him years to acknowledge and accept his father's death.

   You have to acknowledge and accept your own limits before you can improve.

3. 3phrasefixed phraselegalbusiness

   To formally state in writing or speech that you agree to be bound by a rule, contract, or condition.

   Grammar: Common in legal, business, and online settings; often passive: it is acknowledged and accepted that…

   Patterns

   • acknowledge and accept the terms
   • acknowledge and accept a policy
   • be acknowledged and accepted by someone

   Users must acknowledge and accept the privacy policy before continuing.

   Both parties acknowledged and accepted the new payment schedule in writing.

Common combinations

acknowledge and accept responsibility

The minister acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the mistake.

acknowledge and accept the terms

Please acknowledge and accept the terms before you download the software.

acknowledge and accept the fact that

We must acknowledge and accept the fact that the deadline has passed.

fully acknowledge and accept

I fully acknowledge and accept your reasons for leaving.

acknowledge and accept a decision

The players acknowledged and accepted the referee's decision without complaint.

Synonyms and how they differ

accept

Accept alone can mean simply agreeing to take something; the pair stresses that you first admit the fact is true.

recognize

Recognize focuses on seeing or admitting that something exists, without necessarily agreeing to it.

concede

Concede is more formal and often suggests admitting something reluctantly, usually in an argument.

Opposites

Word family

acknowledgment noun

A statement or act showing that something has been noticed or admitted.

acceptance noun

The act of agreeing to something or receiving it willingly.

acceptable adjective

Good enough to be agreed to or allowed.

unacceptable adjective

Not good enough to be agreed to or allowed.

Commonly confused: acknowledge and accept or except? acknowledge and accept or acknowledge?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “acknowledge and accept”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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