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aceptar
/akθepˈtaɾ/
to accept
No puedo aceptar tu propuesta porque no cumple con los requisitos.
I can't accept your proposal because it doesn't meet the requirements.
general
To agree to receive or take something offered.
Acepté el trabajo porque ofrecía buenas condiciones.
I accepted the job because it offered good conditions.
Used for offers, invitations, or conditions.
general
To recognize or admit the truth or existence of something.
Tuvo que aceptar que estaba equivocado.
He had to accept that he was wrong.
Often used in personal or emotional contexts.
formal
To approve or agree to a plan, proposal, or rule.
El comité aceptó la nueva normativa sin objeciones.
The committee accepted the new regulations without objections.
Common in legal, business, or administrative contexts.
Collocations
aceptar una ofertato accept an offeraceptar una invitaciónto accept an invitationaceptar las condicionesto accept the terms
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes with 'aceptar'
Avoid using 'aceptar' for 'to receive' in neutral contexts. 'Recibir' is the correct verb for receiving something without implying agreement (e.g., 'Recibí tu mensaje' = 'I received your message').
Gold Rule
When to Use 'aceptar'
'Aceptar' requires an active choice or agreement. It cannot be used for passive reception (use 'recibir' instead).
Word Origin
From Latin *acceptāre*, frequentative of *accipere* (to receive), from *ad-* (to) + *capere* (to take).
Usage Notes
In some contexts, 'aceptar' implies a voluntary act of receiving or agreeing, while 'admitir' may suggest a forced acknowledgment.
Word Breakdown
acept-
root related to 'acceptance'
root-ar
infinitive verb ending
suffixDiccionario Español-Inglés