acceptation

American  

[ak-sep-tey-shuhn] / ˌæk sɛpˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the usual or accepted meaning of a word, phrase, etc.

2. favorable regard; approval.

3. belief; acceptance as true or valid.

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acceptation British  

/ ˌæksɛpˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the accepted meaning, as of a word, phrase, etc

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Other Word Forms

• nonacceptation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of acceptation

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French. See accept, -ation

Example Sentences

In the general acceptation of the term, that implies a criminal accusation by the government.

From Time Magazine Archive

Friends, in the common acceptation of that word, may be readily lost and won.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old

Yes, actually a drawing-room, in the most elegant acceptation of the word.

From Franz Liszt by Huneker, James

A house in Lant Street would not come within the denomination of a first-rate residence, in the strict acceptation of the term; but it is a most desirable spot, nevertheless. 

From Rambles in Dickens' Land by Allbut, Robert

Both would be sharp and possess abundance of detail, still one would be soft and the other hard in an artistic acceptation of the word hardness.

From The Evolution of Photography With a Chronological Record of Discoveries, Inventions, etc., Contributions to Photographic Literature, and Personal Reminescences Extending over Forty Years by Werge, John