1
Admit a point
Acknowledge an opposing claim as valid.
Example
The critic concedes that the revised method is more reliable.
concede
/kənˈsiːd/ · kuhn-SEEDverb
To admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
Use concede when the context supports this precise sense: to admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
What concede Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Yield a contest
Acknowledge defeat before the formal end.
Example
The candidate conceded after the final count became decisive.
3
Grant a right or advantage
Yield something after pressure or negotiation.
Example
The company conceded greater oversight to local officials.
Use concede Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The critic concedes that the revised method is more reliable.
The candidate conceded after the final count became decisive.
The company conceded greater oversight to local officials.
Precision Matters
Concede overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
concede
vs.Means to admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
recant
Means to withdraw a previously stated belief or claim.
concede
vs.Means to admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
assert
Means to state or defend a claim confidently and directly.
concede
vs.Means to admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
qualify
Means limit or modify a statement.
concede
vs.Means to admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
waive
Means to voluntarily give up a right, claim, requirement, or privilege.
Test concede in Context
She admits one opposing point while rejecting the larger conclusion.
1
Although the historian rejects the article’s conclusion, she does ___ that its newly discovered letters are authentic.