Accede
/əkˈsiːd/
verbC1
Definition
Accede means to say yes or agree to something, especially when someone asks or demands it. It often implies that the agreement happens after some time or discussion, not immediately. Another meaning is when a person accepts a high position, like becoming a king, queen, or leader.
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See It in Action
To agree to a request, demand, or proposal
- •After hours of discussion, she finally acceded to their demands.
- •The government acceded to the public's request for better services.
- •He acceded to the terms of the contract reluctantly.
To take a position of power or responsibility, especially officially
- •The prince acceded to the throne after the king's death.
- •She acceded as the new president of the company last year.
- •When the CEO retired, the vice president acceded to his position.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "accede" like "agree" (A1 word), but with a more formal or serious feeling, often after thinking carefully or with some pressure
- ✓Picture a king nodding slowly to accept the crown after a long ceremony
- ✓It's the feeling when you finally say "yes" to a difficult or important request, even if you were unsure before
- ✓Sounds like "a-SEEED" → imagine planting a seed ("seed") that grows after waiting and accepting the soil
- ✓Think of stories where a prince accedes to the throne after the old king steps down or passes away
- ✓NOT like "agree" (which can be casual and quick), "accede" is more formal and often means accepting something important or official
- ✓NOT like "refuse" (say no), "accede" is the opposite — saying yes or accepting
- ✓NOT like "take" without permission — accede means accepting an offer or request, not just grabbing power
Try Other Words
- •Consent: to give permission or approval (Use when focusing on allowing something to happen)
- •Yield: to give in or accept after resistance (Use when emphasizing giving up or surrendering to a demand)
- •Assume: to take a position or responsibility (Use when focusing on beginning a role or duty)
- •Accept: to receive or agree to something (Use in general situations of saying yes or receiving)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "ac-" means "to" or "toward"
- •Root: "cede" comes from Latin "cedere," meaning "to go" or "to yield"
- •Etymology: From Latin "accedere," meaning "to go to, approach, agree"
- •Historical development: Originally meant "to approach" or "to come near," later developed to mean "to agree" or "to take office"
- •Modern usage: Used in formal or official contexts for agreeing to requests or taking power
Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to accede to a request rather than refuse? Can you think of times when saying yes is better even if it's hard?
•How does the meaning of accede as "taking power" connect to its meaning as "agreeing"? What do these two ideas share?
Fill in the blanks
1.The company acceded ___ the union's demands after long negotiations and ___ some changes in policy.
2.When the king died, his son acceded ___ the throne and became the new ruler.
3.She was hesitant but eventually acceded ___ the invitation because she did not want to offend anyone.
4.Unlike a quick "yes," accede often means agreeing ___ some ___ or pressure.
5.The government refused at first but later acceded ___ the citizens' requests for better healthcare.
6.To accede to a position means to officially ___ it, not just take it without permission.
7.If someone does not accede to a proposal, they ___ it or say no instead.