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A1 verb #190 가장 일반적인 12분 분량

accept

상위 190

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 accept 30초 만에

설명 accept in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'accept' is a very simple and useful word. It mostly means saying 'yes' to something. For example, if someone gives you a gift, you accept it. If someone invites you to a party, you accept the invitation. It is one of the first verbs you learn for social interaction. You use it to show that you are happy to take what someone is offering. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex meanings. Just remember that 'accept' is the opposite of 'say no'. You can use it with things you can touch, like a present, or things you can't touch, like an apology. It is a polite word to use in many situations. When you are shopping, you might see a sign that says 'We accept cash', which means you can pay with paper money. This is a very common way to see the word in real life. It helps you understand what is allowed and what is not. In your first English lessons, you will practice 'accepting' and 'refusing' things to help you have basic conversations with other people.

As you move to the A2 level, you start to use 'accept' in more varied sentences. You might use it to talk about rules or conditions. For example, 'I accept the rules of the game.' You also start to use it with the word 'that', like 'I accept that I am late.' This shows you are beginning to use the word for ideas, not just physical objects. You might also see it in the past tense, 'accepted', more often. 'She accepted the job offer' is a typical A2 sentence. At this level, you are also learning to distinguish between 'accept' and 'receive'. You understand that 'accept' means you want the thing, while 'receive' just means you got it. You might also learn common phrases like 'accept an apology'. This is important for being polite in English. You are also becoming more aware of how the word is used in technology, like 'accepting' a call on your phone or 'accepting' a friend on social media. These are everyday actions that use this verb.

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At the B1 level, 'accept' becomes a tool for expressing more complex thoughts and feelings. You use it to talk about social acceptance, like being 'accepted' by a group of friends or a community. This is a more abstract meaning than just taking a gift. You also use it in professional contexts, such as 'accepting responsibility' for a mistake. This shows a higher level of language use because it involves moral and social concepts. You will also encounter the word in more formal writing, like 'accepting the terms and conditions' of a website. You are expected to know the difference between 'accept' and 'except' very well at this level, as this is a common point of confusion. You might also start using the noun form 'acceptance'. For example, 'His acceptance of the situation was surprising.' This shows you are building a 'word family' around the verb. You can also use 'accept' to mean 'to believe something is true', like 'Most people accept that exercise is good for you.'

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At the B2 level, you use 'accept' with more nuance and precision. You understand that it can mean 'to tolerate' or 'to put up with' something that isn't perfect. For example, 'We have to accept that there will be some delays.' You also use it in more formal or academic settings. You might read about a theory being 'widely accepted' by scientists. This means it is considered true by most experts. You are also comfortable using the passive voice: 'The proposal was generally accepted by the committee.' You can use 'accept' to describe complex social phenomena, like 'cultural acceptance' or 'social acceptance'. You might also use it in idiomatic ways, like 'accepting something at face value', which means believing it without checking if it is true. At this level, your vocabulary is rich enough to choose 'accept' over simpler words like 'take' or 'agree' to sound more professional and clear. You also understand the subtle differences between 'accept', 'admit', and 'concede'.

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At the C1 level, you use 'accept' in highly sophisticated ways. You can discuss the 'acceptance' of philosophical or legal principles. You might use it to describe the resignation to a fate or a long-term situation: 'He finally accepted the inevitable decline of his business.' You are aware of the word's use in specialized fields, like 'accepting' a bill of exchange in finance or 'accepting' a null hypothesis in statistics. Your use of the word is precise and context-aware. You can use it to convey subtle emotional states, such as the difference between 'grudgingly accepting' something and 'warmly embracing' it. You also use the word in complex grammatical structures, like 'It is widely accepted that...' followed by a detailed argument. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you understand its deeper connotations in literature and formal speech. You can use 'accept' to analyze social dynamics, such as the 'acceptance' of new norms in a changing society.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'accept' is complete. You use it with the ease of a native speaker, including all its most subtle and idiomatic forms. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal documents, or literary analysis. You understand the philosophical implications of 'acceptance' in various traditions, from Stoicism to modern psychology. You can use the word to create rhetorical effects, such as using it in a series of parallel structures to emphasize a point. You are also aware of very rare or archaic uses of the word, even if you don't use them yourself. You can perfectly distinguish between 'accept', 'acquiesce', 'assent', and 'accede', choosing the exact word for the register and tone of your communication. Your understanding of the word is not just about its definition, but about its resonance and the way it interacts with other words in the language. You can use 'accept' to describe the most profound human experiences, like the acceptance of mortality or the acceptance of one's true self in the face of social pressure.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

accept 30초 만에

Accept is a common verb meaning to receive something willingly or to agree to a proposal, invitation, or set of terms and conditions.
It is frequently used in social contexts (gifts, apologies), professional settings (job offers, contracts), and digital interactions (friend requests, cookies).
Grammatically, it is a regular verb (accept, accepted) and often takes a direct object or a 'that' clause to express agreement with a fact.
It is crucial to distinguish 'accept' from 'except', as they sound similar but have opposite meanings related to inclusion and exclusion.

The word accept is a fundamental verb in the English language, primarily used to describe the act of receiving something offered with a willing mind or consenting to a proposal or condition. At its core, it signifies a transition from an external offer to an internal possession or agreement. When you accept something, you are not merely taking it physically; you are acknowledging its validity, its presence, or the terms associated with it. This word is ubiquitous in daily life, ranging from simple social interactions like accepting a gift to complex legal and professional scenarios like accepting a job offer or a contract's terms. The nuance of acceptance often involves a choice; it is the opposite of rejection. In social psychology, acceptance is a vital component of belonging, where individuals accept one another into groups or relationships. Furthermore, the word extends into the realm of mental and emotional processing, where one might accept a difficult truth or a challenging situation, indicating a level of resignation or maturity in dealing with reality as it is, rather than how one wishes it to be.

Physical Receipt: Taking an object that is given to you, such as a package, a trophy, or a business card.

She was happy to accept the flowers from her student.

Agreement to Terms: Consenting to follow rules, agree to a price, or start a job under specific conditions.

The company decided to accept the terms of the merger after weeks of negotiation.

In a broader philosophical sense, to accept is to stop fighting against the inevitable. This is often seen in phrases like 'accepting your fate' or 'accepting the consequences.' It implies a cognitive shift where the individual recognizes a fact as undeniable. In the digital age, we 'accept' cookies on websites or 'accept' friend requests on social media platforms, which has slightly shifted the word's weight toward a more routine, almost mechanical action. However, the underlying meaning remains the same: a door is opened, and something or someone is allowed in. Whether it is an idea, a person, or a physical object, acceptance is the gatekeeper of integration. It is important to distinguish acceptance from approval; you can accept that a situation exists without necessarily approving of it or liking it. This distinction is crucial in conflict resolution and personal growth, where accepting the current state is the first step toward making a change.

Social Inclusion: Welcoming a person into a group or community, acknowledging them as an equal member.

It took time, but the team finally began to accept him as one of their own.

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your email.

Most stores in this city accept credit cards, but some small cafes only take cash.

Using 'accept' correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns and the contexts it fits into. As a transitive verb, it usually requires a direct object—the thing being accepted. For example, 'I accept the challenge.' However, it can also be used with a 'that' clause to express the acceptance of a fact or a reality, such as 'He accepted that he would not win the race.' One of the most common structures is 'accept something from someone,' which highlights the exchange between two parties. It is also frequently used in the passive voice, especially in formal or bureaucratic contexts: 'The application was accepted.' This shifts the focus from the person doing the accepting to the status of the object itself. When using 'accept' in the context of invitations, it is often paired with 'to,' as in 'She accepted the invitation to the gala.' It is vital to ensure that the object of acceptance is something that can be received or agreed upon. You don't 'accept' a person in the same way you 'receive' them; 'accepting' a person implies a deeper level of social or emotional validation.

Direct Object Usage: The most straightforward way to use the verb, where the subject takes the object.

Will you accept this small token of our appreciation?

The 'That' Clause: Used when accepting a statement of fact or a specific situation.

Scientists now accept that the climate is changing rapidly.

In professional settings, 'accept' is a key verb for contracts and agreements. You might 'accept the terms and conditions' or 'accept a job offer.' In these cases, the word carries legal weight, implying that you are now bound by the rules or responsibilities discussed. Conversely, in casual conversation, 'accept' can be used for smaller gestures. 'I'll accept that' can be a way of saying you agree with someone's point in an argument. There is also the reflexive use, 'to accept oneself,' which is common in psychological and self-help contexts, meaning to be satisfied with who you are, including your flaws. This variety of usage makes 'accept' one of the most versatile verbs for expressing agreement and reception across all levels of formality. When teaching this word, it is helpful to contrast it with 'receive.' While 'receive' is neutral (you can receive a letter without wanting it), 'accept' implies a positive or willing action (you accept the letter and its contents).

Accepting Responsibility: Taking ownership of one's actions, especially mistakes.

The manager was brave enough to accept full responsibility for the error.

Do you accept the invitation to speak at the conference?

He found it hard to accept the fact that his cat was gone.

The word 'accept' is a staple in many different environments, each giving it a slightly different flavor. In the world of commerce, you will see it on signs in shop windows or at checkout counters: 'We accept all major credit cards.' This is a declaration of what the business is willing to take as payment. In the academic and professional world, the word is often associated with applications. Students wait anxiously to hear if a university will 'accept' them, and job seekers hope a company will 'accept' their candidacy. In these contexts, 'accept' is synonymous with 'approve' or 'admit.' In the legal field, a judge might 'accept' evidence, meaning they allow it to be used in a trial. This formal usage underscores the word's role in validation and authority. On social media, the word is part of the user interface; you 'accept' a friend request or 'accept' the terms of service. This has made the word a daily part of our digital vocabulary, often performed with a single click or tap, sometimes without much thought.

In Retail and Business: Used to define payment methods or the approval of deals.

The vendor refused to accept anything less than the asking price.

In Social Media: The action of allowing someone into your digital network.

I just need to accept your request before we can message each other.

In more personal or emotional settings, you might hear 'accept' used in conversations about relationships or self-improvement. A friend might say, 'You just have to accept him for who he is,' suggesting that trying to change someone is futile and that peace comes from acknowledging their true nature. In therapy or support groups, 'acceptance' is a major theme, often linked to the 'Serenity Prayer,' which asks for the courage to change what can be changed and the serenity to 'accept' what cannot. This usage is deeply tied to emotional resilience and mental health. Furthermore, in the news, you might hear about a country 'accepting' refugees, which carries a heavy humanitarian and political weight. This shows how 'accept' can scale from the smallest personal agreement to the largest global actions. Whether it's a machine accepting a coin or a nation accepting a treaty, the word is a cornerstone of how we describe the process of inclusion and agreement in the modern world.

In Personal Growth: The process of coming to terms with reality or one's own identity.

It is important to accept your mistakes and learn from them.

The university will accept only the top 5% of applicants this year.

Will the machine accept old five-pound notes?

The most frequent mistake people make with 'accept' is confusing it with its homophone, 'except.' While they sound almost identical in casual speech, their meanings are nearly opposite. 'Accept' is a verb meaning to receive or agree to something. 'Except' is usually a preposition or conjunction meaning 'excluding' or 'but.' For example, you 'accept' all the gifts 'except' the one that is broken. Mixing these up is a common error even for native speakers, especially in fast typing. Another common mistake is using 'accept' when 'agree' might be more appropriate. While they are similar, 'accept' usually involves a thing being offered (an offer, a gift, a situation), whereas 'agree' usually involves an opinion or a course of action. You 'accept' a proposal, but you 'agree' with a person. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows 'accept.' You don't 'accept to' do something (this is a common error influenced by other languages); instead, you 'accept an invitation to' do something, or you 'agree to' do something.

Accept vs. Except: Accept is to take; except is to leave out.

Incorrect: I except your apology. Correct: I accept your apology.

Accept vs. Agree: Use accept for things/offers; use agree for opinions/actions.

Incorrect: He accepted to go. Correct: He agreed to go.

Another nuance involves the difference between 'accept' and 'receive.' As mentioned before, 'receive' is passive—it just happens to you. 'Accept' is active—you make a choice. If you say 'I received the award,' it sounds like it was just handed to you. If you say 'I accepted the award,' it sounds like you were honored and chose to take it. Using 'receive' when you mean 'accept' can make you sound less engaged or even ungrateful in certain social contexts. Additionally, be careful with the phrase 'accept of.' This is archaic and no longer used in modern English. You simply 'accept something.' Lastly, in the context of beliefs, 'accept' is stronger than 'believe.' To 'accept a theory' means you have looked at the evidence and decided it is true, whereas 'believing' can sometimes be based on faith or intuition without evidence. Misusing these can change the perceived scientific or logical weight of your statement.

Accept vs. Receive: Accept implies consent; receive is just the physical act of getting.

She received the letter, but she refused to accept its contents.

Incorrect: I accept of your gift. Correct: I accept your gift.

Incorrect: They accepted with the plan. Correct: They accepted the plan.

While 'accept' is a very common word, there are many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning depending on the situation. 'Agree' is the most common synonym, but it focuses more on the harmony of opinions. 'Admit' is used when accepting something that is perhaps unpleasant or was previously denied, like admitting a mistake. 'Acquiesce' is a more formal and sophisticated alternative, implying that you are accepting something reluctantly or without protest. 'Embrace' is a powerful alternative used when someone accepts an idea or a change with great enthusiasm. In a business context, you might use 'approve' or 'ratify' when a formal body gives its consent to a document or a plan. If you are talking about physical objects, 'take' or 'receive' are simpler alternatives, though they lack the nuance of consent that 'accept' carries. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to the specific tone and intensity you want to convey.

Agree: To have the same opinion or to say yes to a suggestion.

They agreed to the new schedule.

Embrace: To accept something enthusiastically, like a new culture or technology.

The city has embraced the idea of green energy.

On the other hand, the antonyms of 'accept' are equally important. 'Reject' is the most direct opposite, implying a firm 'no.' 'Refuse' is similar but often used for invitations or offers. 'Decline' is a more polite way to refuse, often used in formal social or business settings. 'Deny' is used when someone refuses to admit something is true or refuses to give someone something they asked for. In the context of a reality or a situation, the opposite of accepting is 'denying' or 'resisting.' By knowing these opposites, you can better understand the boundaries of what 'accept' means. For instance, 'declining' an invitation is much softer than 'rejecting' it. Choosing the right word can help you maintain social harmony or clearly state your position in a disagreement. In summary, 'accept' is a versatile word that sits at the center of a large web of related terms, each with its own specific usage and emotional weight.

Decline: To politely say no to an offer or invitation.

I must decline your kind offer, as I have other plans.

The board will ratify the decision at next week's meeting.

He finally conceded that his opponent was right.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

The root 'capere' (to take) is also the ancestor of many other common English words, including 'capture', 'capacity', 'capable', and even 'catch'. So, when you accept something, you are literally 'taking it to yourself'.

발음 가이드

UK /əkˈsept/

US /ækˈsept/

The stress is on the second syllable: ac-CEPT.

라임이 맞는 단어

kept slept wept crept stepped except inept adept

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it exactly like 'except' (though they are very close).
Putting the stress on the first syllable (AC-cept).
Forgetting the 't' sound at the end.
Confusing the 'e' sound in the second syllable with an 'i' sound.
Making the 'c' sound too soft like an 's' in the first syllable.

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a high-frequency word.

쓰기 2/5

Slightly harder because of the potential confusion with 'except'.

말하기 1/5

Simple to pronounce and use in basic social interactions.

듣기 2/5

Can be confused with 'except' in fast, native speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

give take yes agree offer

다음에 배울 것

refuse decline receive admit propose

고급

acquiesce assent accede ratify concede

알아야 할 문법

Transitive Verbs

I accept (verb) the gift (object).

That-Clauses

He accepted that he was wrong.

Passive Voice

The offer was accepted by the manager.

Gerunds as Objects

She doesn't accept being treated that way.

Infinitive of Purpose

He called to accept the invitation.

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수준별 예문

I accept your gift.

I take the present you give me.

Subject + verb + direct object.

Do you accept credit cards?

Can I pay with a card here?

Question form with 'do'.

Please accept my apology.

Please say it is okay that I am sorry.

Imperative form for a polite request.

She accepted the invitation.

She said yes to the party.

Past tense with '-ed'.

They accept the new rules.

They agree to follow the rules.

Present simple for a general fact.

I cannot accept this money.

I am saying no to the money.

Negative form with 'cannot'.

The machine accepts coins.

You can put coins in the machine.

Third person singular adds '-s'.

We accept the challenge!

We are ready to try the hard task.

Exclamatory sentence.

He accepted the job offer yesterday.

He said yes to the new job.

Past tense with a time expression 'yesterday'.

I accept that I made a mistake.

I agree that I was wrong.

Used with a 'that' clause.

The school accepted my application.

The school said I can study there.

Transitive verb with a noun phrase object.

Will you accept a check?

Is it okay if I pay with a check?

Future tense question with 'will'.

She didn't accept the flowers from him.

She refused to take the flowers.

Negative past tense with 'didn't'.

They accepted us into their group.

They let us join them.

Accepting people into a group.

I accept your explanation.

I believe what you told me about why it happened.

Abstract object 'explanation'.

The bus driver accepted my ticket.

The driver took my ticket and let me on.

Simple past action.

It's hard to accept that the holidays are over.

It is difficult to believe and face the reality.

Infinitive form after 'it's hard to'.

The company accepts responsibility for the accident.

The company says it was their fault.

Formal usage with 'responsibility'.

You must accept the terms and conditions.

You have to agree to the rules before using the service.

Modal verb 'must' for obligation.

He was finally accepted as a member of the club.

The club finally let him join.

Passive voice 'was accepted'.

I accept your point, but I still disagree.

I understand what you are saying, but my opinion is different.

Used to acknowledge an argument.

She finds it difficult to accept criticism.

She doesn't like it when people tell her she did something wrong.

Gerund phrase as the object of 'finds it difficult to'.

The museum doesn't accept large bags.

You cannot bring big bags into the museum.

Negative present simple.

Most people accept the need for higher taxes.

Most people agree that higher taxes are necessary.

Accepting a 'need' or necessity.

The theory is now widely accepted by the scientific community.

Most scientists believe the theory is true.

Passive voice with an adverb 'widely'.

He had to accept the fact that he was no longer in charge.

He had to face the reality of losing his power.

Accepting 'the fact that'.

The university only accepts students with high grades.

The university only admits the best students.

Present simple for a strict policy.

She accepted the award with a very moving speech.

She took the prize and said something emotional.

Accepting an honor or award.

We cannot accept any more delays in the project.

We will not tolerate any more late work.

Accepting as 'tolerating'.

The judge refused to accept the evidence.

The judge said the evidence could not be used.

Legal context for validation.

You need to accept yourself for who you are.

You should be happy with your own personality and body.

Reflexive use 'accept yourself'.

The currency is not accepted in this country.

You cannot use this money here.

Passive voice for general rules.

The government has finally accepted the inevitability of reform.

The government realized that change must happen.

Present perfect with an abstract noun 'inevitability'.

He accepted the terms of the treaty with a heavy heart.

He agreed to the peace deal but was very sad about it.

Accepting with an emotional state.

The paper was accepted for publication in a prestigious journal.

The scientific article was approved to be printed.

Academic passive voice.

One must accept the limitations of the human mind.

We have to recognize that we cannot know everything.

Formal use of 'one' as a subject.

The community has struggled to accept the new migrants.

The local people found it hard to welcome the newcomers.

Social acceptance context.

She accepted his resignation without further comment.

She took his notice that he was leaving the job and said nothing else.

Professional context.

The proposal was accepted in principle, but details remain.

They agreed to the main idea but not the small parts yet.

Idiomatic phrase 'accepted in principle'.

He refused to accept the status quo.

He did not want to agree that things should stay the same.

Accepting a social or political state.

The paradigm shift was only accepted after decades of resistance.

The big change in thinking was only agreed upon after a long time.

Complex noun phrase 'paradigm shift'.

To accept one's mortality is the beginning of wisdom.

Realizing that you will die one day makes you wise.

Infinitive phrase as a subject.

The court accepted the defendant's plea of insanity.

The court agreed that the person was not mentally well during the crime.

Highly specific legal terminology.

She accepted the challenge with a stoicism that surprised everyone.

She took the hard task without showing any emotion.

Using 'accept' with a specific character trait.

The hypothesis was accepted as a working model for future research.

The idea was taken as a base for more studies.

Scientific register.

He had to accept the bitter pill of defeat.

He had to face the very unpleasant reality that he lost.

Metaphorical use 'bitter pill'.

The city's architecture accepts both modern and classical influences.

The buildings show both new and old styles.

Abstract use for artistic influence.

They accepted the verdict with quiet dignity.

They agreed with the court's decision without making a scene.

Accepting a legal 'verdict'.

동의어

receive take agree to approve admit welcome

반의어

refuse reject decline

자주 쓰는 조합

accept an offer

accept an invitation

accept responsibility

accept an apology

accept a challenge

accept the fact

accept terms

widely accepted

accept credit cards

accept a gift

자주 쓰는 구문

accept the inevitable

— To stop fighting against something that is definitely going to happen.

After the third goal, the fans accepted the inevitable defeat.

accept at face value

— To believe something exactly as it appears without looking for hidden meanings.

You shouldn't accept everything he says at face value.

accept with open arms

— To welcome someone or something very warmly and enthusiastically.

The community accepted the new library with open arms.

socially accepted

— Behavior that is considered normal or right by most people in a society.

Smoking in public is no longer socially accepted in many countries.

accept the consequences

— To be willing to deal with the results of your actions, especially bad ones.

If you break the law, you must accept the consequences.

accept a bribe

— To illegally take money in exchange for doing a favor.

The official was arrested for accepting a bribe.

accept defeat

— To admit that you have lost a game, a race, or an argument.

He was too proud to accept defeat.

accept a plea

— In law, when a judge agrees to the defendant's statement of guilt or innocence.

The court accepted his plea of not guilty.

accept the truth

— To stop denying what is real and acknowledge it.

It took him years to accept the truth about his family.

accept a proposal

— To say yes to a plan or a marriage offer.

She happily accepted his marriage proposal.

자주 혼동되는 단어

accept vs except

Except means excluding. Accept means receiving. They sound the same but are used differently.

accept vs expect

Expect means to think something will happen. It looks similar to accept but has a different meaning.

accept vs aspect

Aspect means a part or feature of something. It sounds vaguely similar but is a noun.

관용어 및 표현

"accept the rough with the smooth"

— To accept the bad parts of a situation as well as the good parts.

In any marriage, you have to accept the rough with the smooth.

informal

"take it or leave it"

— Used to say that an offer is final and will not be changed.

That's my final price: fifty dollars, take it or leave it.

informal

"swallow one's pride"

— To accept something that is embarrassing because it is necessary.

He had to swallow his pride and accept the lower-paying job.

neutral

"grin and bear it"

— To accept a difficult situation without complaining.

The flight was delayed for six hours, so we just had to grin and bear it.

informal

"bite the bullet"

— To accept something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding.

I decided to bite the bullet and accept the surgery.

informal

"face the music"

— To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

After breaking the window, he had to go home and face the music.

informal

"bow to the inevitable"

— To accept that something you don't want to happen is going to happen.

The company finally bowed to the inevitable and declared bankruptcy.

formal

"take something on the chin"

— To accept bad news or a difficult situation bravely.

When he lost his job, he took it on the chin and started looking for a new one.

informal

"make the best of a bad job"

— To accept a bad situation and try to do as well as possible in it.

The hotel was terrible, but we tried to make the best of a bad job.

neutral

"live with it"

— To accept a situation that you cannot change, even if you don't like it.

The scar will be there forever; I just have to live with it.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

accept vs except

Homophones (sound the same).

Accept is a verb (to take). Except is usually a preposition (to exclude). You accept all the cookies except the burnt one.

Everyone went to the party except John, who didn't accept the invitation.

accept vs receive

Similar meaning of getting something.

Receive is passive; you just get it. Accept is active; you agree to take it. You can receive a bill in the mail, but you don't 'accept' it in the same way.

I received the package, but I won't accept it because it's damaged.

accept vs agree

Both involve saying yes.

Agree is used for opinions or actions. Accept is used for offers or things. You agree with a person, but you accept their gift.

I agree that we should go, and I accept your offer to drive.

accept vs admit

Both can mean acknowledging a truth.

Admit often implies a sense of guilt or reluctance. Accept is more about recognizing a reality without necessarily feeling guilty.

He admitted he stole the cookie and accepted his punishment.

accept vs expect

Visual similarity in spelling.

Expect is about the future (waiting for something). Accept is about the present (taking something).

I expect the rain to stop, so I can accept the outdoor invitation.

문장 패턴

I accept [noun].

I accept the present.

Do you accept [noun]?

Do you accept cash?

It is hard to accept that [clause].

It is hard to accept that summer is over.

[Noun] was accepted by [noun].

The plan was accepted by the team.

Accepting [noun] is [adjective].

Accepting responsibility is vital.

To accept [noun] is to [verb].

To accept fate is to find peace.

Please accept [noun].

Please accept my apologies.

She accepted [noun] with [noun].

She accepted the award with grace.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Very high; ranked within the top 1000 most common words in English.

자주 하는 실수

I except your offer. → I accept your offer.
Confusing 'accept' with 'except'. 'Accept' is the verb for receiving.
He accepted to help me. → He agreed to help me.
You cannot use 'accept' followed by an infinitive verb (to + verb).
I accept of your gift. → I accept your gift.
The preposition 'of' is not used after 'accept' in modern English.
The store doesn't receive credit cards. → The store doesn't accept credit cards.
In the context of payment methods, 'accept' is the correct verb to use.
I accept with you. → I agree with you.
You 'agree with' a person's opinion, you don't 'accept with' them.

팁

Use with Nouns

Remember that 'accept' almost always needs a noun after it. You accept a gift, an offer, or a fact. Don't leave it hanging without an object!

The 'A' Rule

If you are agreeing to something, use the word that starts with 'A': Accept. This will help you avoid the 'except' trap.

Polite Refusal

If you cannot accept something, it is polite to use 'decline' or 'I'm afraid I can't accept' to sound softer and more professional.

Beyond 'Yes'

Try using 'embrace' for things you are very excited about and 'acquiesce' for things you are doing just to be helpful, even if you don't want to.

Passive Power

In business emails, use 'The terms have been accepted' to sound more objective and official.

Context Clues

If you hear 'accept' in a store, it's almost always about money or returns. If you hear it in a school, it's about grades or admissions.

Apology Etiquette

When someone says 'I'm sorry', saying 'I accept your apology' is a very clear and formal way to end the conflict.

Radical Acceptance

This is a useful term to know. It means accepting a situation completely without trying to change it or judge it, which can help reduce stress.

Clicking Accept

Be careful what you 'accept' online! Always take a quick look at the terms before you click that big green button.

Latin Roots

Knowing that 'cept' means 'to take' can help you understand other words like 'except' (to take out) and 'intercept' (to take between).

암기하기

기억법

Think of the 'A' in Accept. 'A' stands for 'Agree' and 'Add'. When you accept something, you agree to add it to your life or your collection.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person standing with their arms open wide, ready to receive a large, glowing box. The box has the word 'OFFER' on it.

Word Web

Agree Take Receive Admit Welcome Consent Allow Believe

챌린지

Try to use the word 'accept' three times today: once for a physical object, once for an invitation, and once for a fact you realized.

어원

The word 'accept' comes from the Old French word 'accepter', which originated in the 14th century. This French word was derived from the Latin verb 'acceptare', which is a frequentative form of 'accipere'.

원래 의미: In Latin, 'accipere' meant 'to take without effort' or 'to receive'. It is composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'capere' (to take).

It belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Italic branch through Latin.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'accept' with people. Saying 'I accept you' can sometimes sound patronizing, as if you have the power to judge them. 'I value you' or 'I welcome you' might be better in some sensitive social contexts.

In the UK and US, 'accepting' a drink or food when offered is often followed by a 'thank you'. Refusing can sometimes be seen as slightly rude unless a reason is given.

The 'Acceptance Speech' given by winners at the Oscars or Nobel Prize ceremonies. The Serenity Prayer: '...accept the things I cannot change.' The 'Accept' button on almost every website's Cookie banner.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Job Hunting

accept a job offer
accept the salary
accept the terms
letter of acceptance

Social Life

accept an invitation
accept a gift
accept an apology
accept a compliment

Shopping

accept credit cards
accept returns
accept a coupon
accept cash only

Legal/Official

accept a plea
accept evidence
accept a treaty
accept responsibility

Psychology

self-acceptance
accept the past
accept your flaws
acceptance and commitment therapy

대화 시작하기

"Do you find it easy or difficult to accept compliments from other people?"

"If you were offered a job in another country, would you accept it right away?"

"What is a hard truth that you had to accept as you grew older?"

"Do most shops in your hometown accept mobile payments like Apple Pay?"

"How do you feel when someone refuses to accept your apology?"

일기 주제

Write about a time you accepted a challenge that you were afraid of. What happened next?

List three things about yourself that you have recently learned to accept and love.

Think of a situation you are currently resisting. What would happen if you chose to accept it instead?

Describe the best invitation you have ever accepted. Why was it so special?

Reflect on the difference between 'accepting' a situation and 'giving up' on it. Are they the same?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Accept is a regular verb. This means its past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-ed' to the end, resulting in 'accepted'. For example, 'I accepted the offer yesterday.' It does not change its stem like irregular verbs such as 'go' (went) or 'see' (saw).

This is a very common question. 'Accept' is a verb that means to receive or agree to something (e.g., 'I accept the gift'). 'Except' is usually a preposition that means excluding or but (e.g., 'I like all fruit except apples'). A good way to remember is that 'Accept' starts with 'A' like 'Agree', and 'Except' starts with 'Ex' like 'Exclude'.

No, this is a common mistake. In English, we do not use 'accept' followed directly by an infinitive verb. Instead, you should say 'I agreed to go' or 'I accepted the invitation to go'. 'Accept' needs a noun or a 'that' clause as its object.

In the passive voice, the object of the acceptance becomes the subject of the sentence. For example, 'The job offer was accepted by the candidate.' This is very common in formal writing where the person doing the action is less important than the action itself.

Accepting yourself is a psychological concept. It means being happy and satisfied with who you are, including your strengths and your weaknesses. It involves stopping the self-criticism and recognizing your own value as a person.

Yes, you can accept a person into a group, a school, or a community. For example, 'The club accepted five new members.' It can also mean to acknowledge someone's identity or choices, such as 'They accepted him for who he was'.

Accept is a neutral word. It is perfectly fine to use in casual conversation with friends, but it is also formal enough to use in legal documents and business contracts. It is one of the most versatile verbs in the English language.

Common phrases include 'accept an offer', 'accept an invitation', 'accept responsibility', 'accept an apology', and 'accept the truth'. These are groups of words that are very often used together by native speakers.

Not necessarily. While it often involves positive things like gifts or jobs, you can also 'accept' negative things, like 'accepting defeat', 'accepting a punishment', or 'accepting a difficult reality'. In these cases, it means to face the truth rather than to be happy about it.

The most common noun form is 'acceptance'. For example, 'The acceptance of the new law took a long time.' Another noun is 'acceptability', which refers to how acceptable something is.

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