concession
kuhn-SESH-uhn
/kənˈseʃ.ən/
A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a reduction in price for a certain group of people.
In negotiation, it’s a point you give up to reach an agreement. In retail, it’s a special discount (e.g., student concession).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'concedere', where 'con-' (completely) meets 'cedere' (to go/yield). It literally means to step aside or give way to someone else's demand.
Word relationships
- compromise: A compromise is a mutual yielding; a concession is often one-sided.
- demand: An insistent and peremptory request, made as of right.
Commonly confused with
- confession: A confession is admitting guilt; a concession is yielding a point.
Word family
- concede (verb): To admit that something is true or to surrender a point.
Collocations
- make a concession
- student concession
- major concession
Example sentences
- "This was a concession to the spirit of the age." A historical observation on social change. (Critical and Historical Essays by Thomas Macaulay)
- "The company made a major concession on the delivery timeline to secure the contract." A business negotiation update.
Memory hook
You 'concede' (give in) to the 'session' (meeting) demands. Giving something up.
When not to use
Don't use it for a general sale; it implies a specific yielding or a targeted group.
Fun facts
- In the UK and Australia, 'concession' often refers specifically to discounted tickets for seniors or students.
Related words
Explore more words
concede, compromise, appease, appeasement, assent, capitulate
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