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concede
/kənˈsiːd/
to admit or yield
After much debate, the team conceded that their approach was flawed.
The team admitted that their approach was flawed after much debate.
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.
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.
Can imply a sense of reluctance or defeat.
Collocations
concede defeatto admit losingconcede a pointto acknowledge a valid argumentconcede victoryto admit winning
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary