How to Use "Accede" in a Sentence (With Examples)
What Does "Accede" Mean?
"Accede" is a formal verb with two main meanings:
- To agree to a request or demand, often after initial hesitation. In this sense, it means to give consent or yield to pressure.
- To assume a position of power or office. This usage describes formally taking on a role, particularly a throne or high office.
The word comes from Latin "accedere," meaning to approach or agree. It is pronounced "ak-SEED."
Examples of "Accede" Meaning "To Agree"
- After weeks of negotiation, the company acceded to the union's demands for higher wages.
- The landlord initially refused the request but eventually acceded to allowing pets in the building.
- She acceded to her colleague's suggestion and revised the presentation format.
- The committee acceded to the public's demand for greater transparency in the review process.
- He reluctantly acceded to the new terms of the contract.
In this sense, "accede" is followed by "to": accede to a request, accede to demands, accede to a proposal.
Examples of "Accede" Meaning "To Assume Office"
- Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952 following the death of her father.
- The new president acceded to office during a period of significant economic uncertainty.
- When the prime minister resigned, the deputy acceded to the role as outlined in the constitution.
- The prince acceded to the throne at the age of 34.
This usage appears primarily in historical, political, and diplomatic writing.
A Third Meaning: Joining a Treaty or Agreement
In international law and diplomacy, "accede" also means to formally join or become a party to a treaty or agreement:
- The country acceded to the Geneva Convention in 1949.
- Three additional nations acceded to the trade agreement last year.
- The organization acceded to the international framework on climate standards.
Grammar Patterns
"Accede" always takes "to" as its preposition:
- Accede to a request
- Accede to the throne
- Accede to a treaty
- Accede to demands
The conjugation follows standard regular verb patterns:
- Past tense: acceded
- Present participle: acceding
- Third person singular: accedes
"Accede" vs. Similar Words
- Agree is the everyday equivalent. "Accede" implies more formality and often suggests yielding after resistance.
- Consent emphasizes giving permission. "Accede" emphasizes yielding to external pressure or expectation.
- Concede means to admit something is true or to yield a point in a debate. "Accede" focuses on agreeing to a specific request or demand.
- Succeed (to a throne) overlaps with "accede" in royal contexts, but "accede" is the more traditional term for formally assuming the role.
Common Mistakes
Confusing "accede" with "exceed." "Accede" means to agree or assume office. "Exceed" means to go beyond a limit. These words sound somewhat similar but are unrelated.
Omitting "to." "Accede" requires the preposition "to." Saying "the board acceded the request" is incorrect. The correct form is "the board acceded to the request."
Using it in casual contexts. "Accede" is a formal word. In everyday conversation, "agreed" or "went along with" would be more natural. Save "accede" for written contexts where formality is appropriate.
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