Vocabulary Spotlight

Accede

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To agree to a demand, request, or treaty; to assume an office or position.

“After lengthy discussions, the board decided to accede to the merger proposal.”

Pronunciation

[ak-seed]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Agree
Consent
Comply
Acquiesce
Accept

Antonyms

Refuse
Decline
Reject
Disagree
Deny

Related Words

Accession (noun)
Acceding (noun)

Word Origin

“Accede” originates from the Latin “accedere,” which means “to go to” or “to approach.” The word entered English in the late 15th century, initially implying a formal entrance or assumption of a role, then expanding to signify consent or agreement.

Word Family

Noun: Accession – The act of attaining or acquiring a position or office.

Verb: Accede – To agree or to enter upon an office or position.

Mnemonics

Think of “ac-cede” as “accept to succeed,” helping to remember it means agreeing or taking a role.

Industry-specific Usage

Law

In legal contexts, to accede often means to consent formally, such as acceding to a contract’s terms.

Politics

In politics, acceding to a treaty indicates a nation’s formal agreement to the terms of international law.

Business

Companies may accede to requests during negotiations, allowing certain conditions to facilitate agreements.

In Context

“Accede” is used in contexts requiring formal consent or acceptance, such as agreements, treaties, or assuming positions of power. It signifies an official, often binding decision to agree or take on responsibility.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of the following is a synonym for “accede”?

Reject
Agree
Deny
Refuse

‘Agree’ is the correct synonym, as it aligns with the meaning of formally consenting to something.

2. Fill in the blank: The government decided to _______ to the public’s demands for transparency.

accede
reject
refuse
decline

‘Accede’ fits best as it suggests agreement or giving in to the demands.

3. Which situation best describes “accede”?

Denying a promotion request
Rejecting an invitation
Agreeing to a proposal after negotiation
Disagreeing with a contract

‘Agreeing to a proposal after negotiation’ is correct because accede means giving formal consent.