Concede vs. Accede — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Concede often involves admitting something reluctantly, typically after a denial; accede usually means to agree or give consent, often in a formal context.
Difference Between Concede and Accede
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Concede typically implies a reluctant admission after initial resistance or denial, often used in contexts like debates or sports where one admits defeat or acknowledges an opponent's point. Whereas, accede is more about agreeing to a request or a set of terms, commonly found in formal agreements or legal contexts.
When someone concedes, there's usually an element of surrender involved, such as conceding a point in an argument or conceding defeat in an election. On the other hand, accede suggests a voluntary decision to align or comply with others' expectations, like acceding to a treaty or to the demands of a group.
Concede can carry a negative connotation, as it often comes after a period of denial or resistance. For example, conceding an error in one’s work could be seen as a setback. Accede, however, generally has a neutral or positive connotation, implying a cooperative or agreeable move toward consensus.
Politicians might concede a race when results show they have lost, which demonstrates acceptance of the outcome after a competitive effort. Conversely, a politician might accede to public pressure by agreeing to implement a policy they initially resisted or showed no interest in.
In legal or formal contexts, concede may be used less frequently, whereas accede appears more often, especially when parties are agreeing to terms or conditions that require formal consent.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Admit something is true after denying it
Agree to a request or demand
Connotation
Often negative or reluctant
Neutral or positive, formal agreement
Common Contexts
Debates, sports, negotiations
Treaties, legal agreements, policies
Example of Use
Conceding defeat in an election
Acceding to a treaty
Implication of Action
Involves acceptance after resistance
Involves giving consent voluntarily
Compare with Definitions
Concede
Grant or yield something that cannot be withheld.
The company conceded some benefits to avoid a strike.
Accede
Agree to follow a rule or decision.
He acceded to the court's ruling without objection.
Concede
Admit defeat in a contest.
The senator conceded the election after the final vote count.
Accede
Consent to a treaty or agreement.
The country finally acceded to the international environmental protocol.
Concede
Acknowledge an argument or point in a debate.
I must concede that your point about the budget is valid.
Accede
Become a member of a community or group.
The state acceded to the nation following the referendum.
Concede
Allow or admit reluctantly.
He finally conceded that he had made a mistake.
Accede
Assume an office or position.
She acceded to the presidency in a historic election.
Concede
Give up or yield a position or right.
The chess player conceded the match after losing his queen.
Accede
Agree to a demand or proposal.
The board acceded to the merger after lengthy discussions.
Concede
Admit or agree that something is true after first denying or resisting it
I had to concede that I'd overreacted
‘All right then,’ she conceded
Accede
Agree to a demand, request, or treaty
The authorities did not accede to the strikers' demands
Concede
Surrender or yield (a possession, right, or privilege)
In 475 the emperor conceded the Auvergne to Euric
Accede
Assume an office or position
Elizabeth I acceded to the throne in 1558
Concede
To acknowledge, often reluctantly, as being true, just, or proper; admit
Conceded that we made a mistake.
Accede
To give one's consent, often at the insistence of another
Accede to a demand.
Concede
To acknowledge or admit (defeat).
Accede
To arrive at or come into an office or dignity
Accede to the throne.
Concede
To acknowledge defeat in
Concede an election.
Concede a chess match.
Accede
To become a party to an agreement or treaty.
Concede
To yield or surrender (something owned or disputed, such as land)
Conceded the region when signing the treaty.
Accede
To approach; to arrive, to come forward.
Concede
To yield or grant (a privilege or right, for example).
Accede
To give one's adhesion; to join up with (a group, etc.); to become part of.
Concede
(Sports) To allow (a goal or point, for example) to be scored by the opposing team or player.
Accede
(intransitive) To agree or assent to a proposal or a view; to give way.
Concede
To make a concession or acknowledge defeat; yield
The losing candidate conceded after the polls had closed.
Accede
(intransitive) To come to an office, state or dignity; to attain, assume (a position).
Concede
To yield or suffer; to surrender; to grant
I have to concede the argument.
He conceded the race once it was clear he could not win.
Kendall conceded defeat once she realized she could not win in a battle of wits.
Accede
(intransitive) To become a party to an agreement or a treaty.
Concede
To grant, as a right or privilege; to make concession of.
Accede
To approach; to come forward; - opposed to recede.
Concede
To admit or agree to be true; to acknowledge.
Accede
To enter upon an office or dignity; to attain.
Edward IV., who had acceded to the throne in the year 1461.
If Frederick had acceded to the supreme power.
Concede
To yield or make concession.
Accede
To become a party by associating one's self with others; to give one's adhesion. Hence, to agree or assent to a proposal or a view; as, he acceded to my request.
The treaty of Hanover in 1725 . . . to which the Dutch afterwards acceded.
Concede
(sports) To have a goal or point scored against
Accede
Submit or yield to another's wish or opinion;
The government bowed to the military pressure
Concede
(cricket) (of a bowler) to have runs scored off of one's bowling.
Accede
Take on duties or office;
Accede to the throne
Concede
To yield or suffer; to surrender; to grant; as, to concede the point in question.
Accede
To agree or express agreement;
The Maestro assented to the request for an encore
Concede
To grant, as a right or privilege; to make concession of.
Concede
To admit to be true; to acknowledge.
We concede that their citizens were those who lived under different forms.
Concede
To yield or make concession.
I wished you to concede to America, at a time when she prayed concession at our feet.
Concede
Be willing to concede;
I grant you this much
Concede
Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
Concede
Acknowledge defeat;
The candidate conceded after enough votes had come in to show that he would lose
Common Curiosities
In what contexts is it appropriate to use "accede"?
"Accede" is suitable for formal agreements, legal contexts, or when formally agreeing to policies or joining organizations.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use "concede"?
"Concede" is appropriate in contexts where an acknowledgment or admission is made after resistance, such as in debates, sports, or political discussions.
What is the origin of the word "accede"?
"Accede" derives from the Latin word "accedere," which means "to approach" or "to agree."
Can a country concede in a treaty negotiation?
Yes, a country can concede in treaty negotiations by giving up demands or positions it initially held.
Is "accede" only used in positive contexts?
While "accede" is often seen in positive contexts, it can be used neutrally whenever someone agrees to or joins something, regardless of the connotation.
How does "accede" interact with legal language?
"Accede" is frequently used in legal language when discussing agreements to treaties, protocols, or joining coalitions and organizations.
What is the origin of the word "concede"?
"Concede" comes from the Latin word "concedere," meaning "to yield" or "give way."
What is the difference in tone when someone concedes versus when someone accedes?
Conceding often has a tone of reluctance and resignation, whereas acceding carries a tone of agreement and consent.
Does "concede" imply a loss?
"Concede" often implies a form of loss or giving up, especially in competitive or adversarial contexts.
Can a country accede to power?
A country cannot accede to power per se, but a leader or government can accede to a position of power within a country.
How is "accede" viewed in diplomatic contexts?
In diplomatic contexts, "accede" is viewed as a cooperative and constructive action, often essential for forging agreements and alliances.
Is there a formal process for acceding?
Yes, acceding usually involves a formal process, especially in legal, political, or organizational contexts.
What is the impact of conceding on relationships?
Conceding can have a positive impact on relationships if it leads to acknowledgment of faults or compromises, but it might also carry a feeling of defeat or submission.
What does it mean when someone says, "I accede to your request"?
It means they agree to or grant your request, often after careful consideration or negotiation.
Can "concede" be used in friendly contexts?
Yes, "concede" can be used in friendly contexts, such as conceding a point in a friendly debate or discussion.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
