Vocapedia
Log inTry for Free
Log in

Looking up...

Words

  • Words of the Year
  • Recent Lookups
  • My Dictionary

Languages

  • English
  • Vietnamese
  • Japanese
  • Chinese
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Korean
  • German

Features

  • Words of the Year
  • My Collections List
  • Reviews
  • Learning Resources
  • Community Collections

Learn

  • How It Works
  • Study Guides
  • Language Tips
  • FAQ
  • Getting Started
  • For Individuals
  • For Teachers

Community

  • Forum
  • Blog
  • Help Center
  • Partnerships

About

  • About Vocapedia
  • Contact Us
  • Feedback

Legal

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility
  • GDPR Compliance
© 2026 Vocapedia. All rights reserved.

access

/ˈækses/
noun, verb★Intermediate— the ability to reach or use something
general

the ability or permission to reach, enter, or use something

The building has wheelchair access on the ground floor.

People using wheelchairs can enter and move around the ground floor.

Access to clean water is a basic human right.

Everyone should be able to obtain clean water.

💡

Can refer to physical access (e.g., entering a place) or digital access (e.g., using a system).

general

to reach, enter, or use something

You can access the files by clicking the link.

You can reach and open the files by clicking the link.

She accessed her bank account online.

She used her bank account through the internet.

💡

When used as a verb, it often implies using a system or service.

Collocations

access tothe ability to reach or use somethingaccess forpermission or provision for a specific groupaccess viareaching something through a particular method

Synonyms

entryadmissionentrywayreachuse

Antonyms

blockdenyrestrictexclude

Related Phrases

access deniedphrase
permission to reach or use something is refused
access controlphrase
systems or measures to regulate who can reach or use something

💡Pro Tip

Noun vs. Verb

'Access' can be a noun (e.g., 'access to the internet') or a verb (e.g., 'access the files'). Pay attention to context.

⚡Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal contexts, 'access' is often used to describe permission or ability. In informal contexts, it can refer to using a system or service.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'accesse', from Old French 'acces', from Latin 'accessus' (approach, arrival), from 'accedere' (to approach).

📝Usage Notes

As a noun, 'access' often refers to the ability to reach or use something. As a verb, it means to reach or use something, often a system or service.

Word Breakdown

ac-
to, toward
prefix
+
-cess
go, move
root
English Dictionary

Learning Progress

Track your learning journey!

• Save words to build your vocabulary

• Monitor your daily streak

• Get personalized review reminders

• See words learned statistics

Log in to access advanced features and track your progress!

Go to Dashboard →

Recent Lookups

The most recent words being looked up. Stay up to date with what language learners are exploring.