concede
kuhn-SEED
/kənˈsiːd/
To admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it; to yield or surrender.
Concede involves a struggle or a debate. You only concede when you realize your position is no longer tenable and you must admit the other side is correct.
The story behind the word. Concede comes from the Latin 'concedere', which combines 'con-' (completely) and 'cedere' (to yield or go). Historically, it meant to physically step aside or withdraw from a path to let someone else pass. Today, it means stepping aside intellectually to let the truth pass.
Word relationships
- admit: Admit is a general term, while concede specifically implies admitting something reluctantly after a period of resistance.
- yield: Yield is to give way under pressure, which can be physical or intellectual, while concede is purely intellectual or political.
- deny: Deny is to refuse to admit the truth of something, the opposite of conceding.
- contest: Contest is to actively challenge or dispute a claim, refusing to concede.
Commonly confused with
- concede vs confess: Confess is to admit to a wrongdoing or crime, while concede is to admit a factual point or defeat in a contest.
Word family
- concession (noun): A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands.
Collocations
- concede defeat
- concede a point
- unwilling to concede
Example sentences
- "Late Tuesday night, the governor called his opponent to concede the election." A political election where one candidate admits defeat.
- "Although she defended her thesis fiercely, she had to concede that more research was needed." An intellectual debate where one side admits a valid point.
Memory hook
Think of 'conceding' a seed. You give up your seed (point) to let the other person grow their garden. Concede = Yield the point.
When not to use
Do not use concede for a happy, voluntary agreement; it must involve giving up a point or admitting defeat.
Fun facts
- The concession stands at sports stadiums are called 'concessions' because the stadium owners originally granted 'concessions' (the exclusive right/privilege) to external vendors to sell food.
Explore more words
concession, capitulate, back down, contend, compromise, succumb
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