Standard Lemma guide

acceptation

noun · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌæk.sɛpˈteɪ.ʃən/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -eɪʃən

1

noun

Meaning 1

The meaning (sense) in which a word or expression is understood, or generally received.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • The term is to be used according to its usual acceptation.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Acceptance; reception; favorable reception or regard; the state of being acceptable.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic, countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The active divine decision to approve an act or circumstance, held by Scotists to be necessary to render it meritorious.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: lifestyle, religion, theology

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • its adoption by society
  • the proposal found wide acceptance

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: adoption, acceptance, espousal

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: blessing, approval, approving

Narrower terms: embrace, bosom

5

noun

Meaning 5

the accepted meaning of a word

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: word meaning, word sense

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: sense, signified

6

noun

Meaning 6

acceptance as true or valid

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: acceptance

History

Etymology

From Middle English acceptacioun, acceptation, from Middle French acceptacion and Late Latin acceptātiō. By surface analysis, accept + -ation.