acceptance
noun
Acceptance — the act of receiving and agreeing to take what is offered
Definition
The act of taking something that is offered; "her acceptance of the gift encouraged him"; "he anticipated their acceptance of his offer"
In depth
Acceptance is the act of taking something that is offered, whether a gift, a proposal, an apology, or a formal agreement. The word carries significant weight in both interpersonal and legal contexts, the moment an offer becomes binding or a gesture becomes meaningfully received, distinct from mere passive receipt.
Origin
The word descends from Latin acceptare, to receive willingly, formed from ad- (to) and capere (to take or seize). That root sense of willing receipt, rather than passive happening, distinguishes true acceptance from mere occurrence, the word implying active agreement or embrace rather than simple, unchosen exposure.
Usage examples
"Her acceptance of the gift encouraged him, the small gesture meaning more than either of them initially let on."
"The contract became binding only upon formal acceptance by both parties."
"His acceptance of the difficult diagnosis came slowly, arriving only after months of resistance and grief."
How to use it
Acceptance is essential vocabulary across legal, relational, and psychological writing, useful for describing both formal binding agreement and the more personal, emotional process of coming to terms with difficult circumstances or unwelcome truths.
Related concepts
Looking for a word but don't know its name?
Try the Word Finder →