concede

/kənˈsiːd/
verbIntermediate to admit or yield
formalinformal

To admit or acknowledge something, often reluctantly.

The candidate conceded defeat after the election results were announced.

The candidate admitted defeat when the election results were announced.

She conceded that her opponent had made some valid points.

She acknowledged that her opponent had made some valid points.

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Often used in formal or competitive contexts, such as debates, elections, or negotiations.

formalinformal

To yield or surrender something, often under pressure or after resistance.

The company conceded to the union's demands after a long strike.

The company surrendered to the union's demands after a long strike.

He conceded the match when it became clear he couldn't win.

He surrendered the match when it became clear he couldn't win.

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Can imply a sense of reluctance or defeat.

Collocations

concede defeatto admit losingconcede a pointto acknowledge a valid argumentconcede victoryto admit winning

Related Phrases

concede defeatphrase
to admit losing
concede a pointphrase
to acknowledge a valid argument
concede victoryphrase
to admit winning

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'concede' in formal contexts, such as debates or official statements. In informal settings, 'admit' or 'acknowledge' may be more common.

Gold Rule

Concede vs. Admit

'Concede' often implies a sense of reluctance or defeat, while 'admit' is more neutral.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'concedere', meaning 'to grant' or 'to yield'.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or competitive contexts, such as debates, elections, or negotiations. Can imply reluctance or defeat.

Word Breakdown

con-
together
prefix
+
-cede
to go, yield
root
English Dictionary