concede

/kənˈsiːd/ formal

Say it: kun-SEED

1. verb To admit that something is true or valid, often reluctantly and after first denying it.
After seeing the evidence, the lawyer had to concede that his client was at the scene.
2. verb To surrender or yield something, such as a right, a point in a game, or a political contest.
The losing candidate called her opponent to concede the election.
3. verb To grant something as a right or privilege, typically in response to demands.
The company refused to concede any of the union's demands for better working conditions.

📖 Seen in the wild

After a long debate, the senator had to concede that his opponent had a valid point.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ concede in a sentence

Okay, fine, I'll concede that you were right about the traffic.
The team played a strong defensive game and did not concede a single goal.
In his new book, the historian concedes that previous interpretations were flawed.
She was not willing to concede any ground in the argument.
After a long negotiation, the management team conceded a pay increase to the employees.
He reluctantly conceded the point to his debate opponent.
The champion was forced to concede the match after an injury.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

admit acknowledge yield grant surrender allow confess

admit · implies a reluctant acknowledgment of fact, but without the strong sense of losing a contest.

acknowledge · is more neutral, simply recognizing a fact's existence without suggesting prior opposition.

yield · strongly emphasizes the act of giving way under pressure or superior force.

grant · suggests giving something that was requested, often as a superior to an inferior.

Opposites: deny, dispute, contest, reject, defend

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'concede' comes to us from the Latin 'concedere', meaning 'to give way, grant, or yield'. It is formed from 'com-', meaning 'together', and 'cedere', meaning 'to go' or 'to yield'. This origin clearly reflects its modern sense of yielding a point in an argument or giving up in a contest.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

concede a pointconcede defeatconcede an electionconcede a goalforced to concedereluctantly concede

'Concede' carries a strong connotation of reluctance. You concede something you were previously fighting against, whether it's a point in a debate or control of a territory. It is more formal than 'give in' and more specific than 'admit'. A common mistake is using it for a simple admission of fact; it's best reserved for situations involving a dispute, contest, or negotiation.

Word family: concession, conceded

💬 Quick answers

What does 'concede' mean?

To concede means to admit something is true or to surrender something, usually after a period of resistance or denial. It can apply to a point in an argument, a game, or an election.

What is the difference between 'concede' and 'admit'?

'Concede' implies yielding a point in a formal contest or debate you were trying to win. 'Admit' is a more general term for acknowledging a fact, often reluctantly, but without the same competitive context.

Is 'concede' a formal word?

Yes, 'concede' is generally a formal word. It is most common in politics, legal discussions, academic writing, and sports commentary.

What does it mean to concede an election?

When a candidate concedes an election, they publicly acknowledge their defeat and congratulate their opponent. It is a key part of a peaceful transfer of power.

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