acceptance

American  

[ak-sep-tuhns, ik-] / ækˈsɛp təns, ɪk- /

noun

1. the act of taking or receiving something offered.

2. favorable reception; approval; favor.

3. the act of assenting or believing.

   acceptance of a theory.

4. the fact or state of being accepted or acceptable.

5. acceptation.

6. Commerce.

   1. an engagement to pay an order, draft, or bill of exchange when it becomes due, as by the person on whom it is drawn.

   2. an order, draft, etc., that a person or bank has accepted as calling for payment and has thus promised to pay.

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acceptance British  

/ əkˈsɛptəns /

noun

1. the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable

2. favourable reception; approval

3. (often foll by of) belief (in) or assent (to)

4. commerce

   1. a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc

   2. the document so accepted Compare bank acceptance

5. (plural) a list of horses accepted as starters in a race

6. contract law words or conduct by which a person signifies his assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reacceptance
  noun
• self-acceptance
  noun
• nonacceptance
  noun
• preacceptance
  noun
• unacceptance
  noun
• proacceptance
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of acceptance

First recorded in 1565–75; accept + -ance

Explanation

Acceptance is taking something given to you. You might be relieved by your friend's acceptance of your apology for accidentally riding your bike over his foot. An acceptance of someone or something is also an indication that you approve of or believe in it (or them). If you dye your hair green and wear a suit made of bear fur, gaining your grandmother’s acceptance may prove difficult if she's a conservative dresser and an animal lover. In legal terms acceptance is language signifying consent to the terms of an offer, leading to the creation of a contract.

Example Sentences

"Two Tony bookends with 53 years between them," Lithgow noted in his acceptance speech.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Sharaa has cultivated relations with Russia as well as the West since taking power, visiting Washington and Moscow last year as a part of a campaign to gain international acceptance for his government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

Bankers may not go out of their way to save $1 on a cup of coffee, but they might get intrigued if they see the brands gaining acceptance in the U.S.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Filmed at the cavernous, non-denominational Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., “Prodigal Daughter” finds Tomlinson in a state of true acceptance.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

First and foremost—congratulations on your acceptance to NYU.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

Related Words

• accession
• acknowledgment
• admission
• adoption
• affirmation
• agreement
• approval
• concession
• recognition