accede
What does "accede" mean?
To accede means to agree to a request, demand, or proposal, often after some initial hesitation or reluctance. Imagine someone firmly holding a position or refusing a deal, then finally nodding and stepping across the boundary to join the other side's agreement. This word is almost exclusively used in formal, professional, or legal contexts. It is frequently followed by the preposition "to," as in "accede to demands" or "accede to the terms." It carries a weightier tone than simply "agreeing," implying a shift in stance or a formal acceptance of authority.
"accede" in conversation
Negotiating a contract
The opposing counsel refuses to budge on the liability clause.
The opposing counsel refuses to budge on the liability clause.
If we don't accede to their terms, will the deal collapse?
If we don't accede to their terms, will the deal collapse?
Used here to signify a reluctant but necessary agreement to legal conditions.
Workplace dispute
The union is threatening a strike unless we raise wages.
The union is threatening a strike unless we raise wages.
We cannot accede to such high demands without hurting our margins.
We cannot accede to such high demands without hurting our margins.
Highlights the formal, serious nature of the decision-making process.
"accede" in a sentence
The government finally decided to accede to the protestors' requests.
The government finally decided to accede to the protestors' requests.
He was unwilling to accede to the committee's suggestion to change the project deadline.
He was unwilling to accede to the committee's suggestion to change the project deadline.
Despite the intense pressure from the board, the CEO refused to accede to the hostile takeover bid.
Despite the intense pressure from the board, the CEO refused to accede to the hostile takeover bid.
