Concede
/kənˈsiːd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo admit as true or valid; to yield or grant; to acknowledge grudgingly.
/kənˈsiːd/
To admit or acknowledge something, often reluctantly.
He conceded that he was wrong.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and your friend is clearly winning. If you 'concede,' it means you agree they're better and give them the win, even if you don't *want* to.
👶 For kids: To say that something is true, even if you don't want to. Like when you admit your friend is a better player in a game.
More Examples
The company conceded to the workers' demands.
After hours of argument, she conceded the point.
How It's Used
"After a close election, the losing candidate conceded defeat."
"She conceded her opponent's point about the economy."
"The defense conceded that the evidence was damaging."
To grant or yield (something) as a right or privilege.
/kənˈsiːd/
To grant or yield something.
The employer conceded a higher wage to the union.
💡 Simply: Imagine a company 'conceding' something like paid vacation. They are *giving* it to the employees, like a gift.
👶 For kids: To give something to someone. Like when you share your toys.
More Examples
The government conceded certain demands to the protesters.
She conceded the point to make peace.
How It's Used
"The company conceded a pay raise to its employees."
"The government conceded certain freedoms in the new law."
Idioms & expressions
concede defeat
To acknowledge that one has lost a competition or contest.
"After the election results were announced, the losing candidate conceded defeat."
concede a point
To admit the validity of an argument or statement.
"She conceded a point, but still disagreed with the overall conclusion."
concede ground
To yield to the demands or arguments of someone else or to give in or retreat.
"The company conceded ground on their original offer, increasing the benefits package."
From Latin concedere ('to yield, grant'), from com- ('together') + cedere ('to yield, give way').
Historically, the word has been used in both legal and political contexts to describe giving up a position or right.
Memory tip
Think of *conceding* a game - you're acknowledging the other team is better and giving them the win.
Word Origin
"to yield, grant"