First Known Use: 1626
Dictionary
concede
verb con·cede \kən-ˈsēd\
: to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) : to admit (something) usually in an unwilling way
: to admit that you have been defeated and stop trying to win
: to give away (something) usually in an unwilling way
con·ced·edcon·ced·ing
Full Definition of CONCEDE
transitive verb
1
: to grant as a right or privilege
2
a : to accept as true, valid, or accurate <the right of the state to tax is generally conceded> b (1) : to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly <conceded that it might be a good idea> (2) : to relinquish grudgingly or hesitantly <concede power>
intransitive verb
See concede defined for English-language learners
See concede defined for kids
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Examples of CONCEDE
- … he conceded that with six kids, something like this was bound to happen. At least one of them had to be a bad egg. —Markus Zusak, The Book Thief, 2005
- … it was generally conceded that Caepio, if and when tried for treason under the present system, would be acquitted. —Colleen McCullough, The First Man in Rome, (1990) 1991
- … after listening to Tom, he conceded that there were some conspicuous advantages about a life of crime, and so he consented to be a pirate. —Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, 1876
- [+]more
Origin of CONCEDE
French or Latin; French concéder, from Latin concedere, from com- + cedere to yield
Related to CONCEDE
- Synonyms
- acknowledge, agree, allow, admit, confess, fess (up), grant, own (up to)
- Antonyms
- deny
Synonym Discussion of CONCEDE
grant, concede, vouchsafe, accord, award mean to give as a favor or a right. grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld <granted them a new hearing>. concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim <even her critics concede she can be charming>. vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension <vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples>. accord implies giving to another what is due or proper <accorded all the honors befitting a head of state>. award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors <awarded the company a huge defense contract>.
CONCEDED Defined for Kids
concede
verb con·cede \kən-ˈsēd\
con·ced·edcon·ced·ing
Definition of CONCEDE for Kids
1
: to admit to be true <The candidate had to concede defeat.>
2
: to grant or yield usually unwillingly <Britain conceded the independence of the colonies.>
Learn More About CONCEDE
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