acceptation
noun
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Acceptation is older than its synonym acceptance; it first appeared in print in the 15th century, whereas acceptance makes a 16th-century appearance. Grammarian H. W. Fowler insisted in 1926 that acceptation and acceptance were not actually synonymous (he preferred to reserve acceptation for the "accepted meaning" use), but the earliest meaning of acceptation was indeed acceptance. Both words descend from the Anglo-French word accepter ("to accept"), but acceptation took an extra step. Anglo-French added the -ation ending, which was changed to form acceptacioun in Middle English. (English embraced the present-day -ation ending later.) Acceptance simply comes from accepter plus the Anglo-French -ance.
Example Sentences
San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2021 Word History
Middle English acceptacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French acceptation, borrowed from Late Latin acceptātiōn-, acceptātiō, from Latin acceptāre "to accept" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
acceptation
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- connotation
- idiom
- expression
- denotation
- delivery
- regionalism
- mode
- colloquialism
- locution
- archaism
- phraseology
- address
- vein
- style
- manner
- elocution
- tone
- fashion
Synonyms & Similar Words
- assent
- consent
- agreement
- accession
- concurrence
- benediction
- goodwill
- approbation
- formalization
- sanction
- liking
- approval
- satisfaction
- countenance
- ratification
- support
- endorsement
- indorsement
- finalization
- nod
- homologation
- backing
- cachet
- vote
- rubber stamp
- imprimatur
- blessing
- thumbs-up
- okay
- favor
- OK
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disapproval
- rejection
- refusal
- repudiation
- disapprobation
- criticism
- condemnation
- dissatisfaction
- denunciation
- disfavor
- depreciation
- disparagement
- censure
- dislike
- reproach
- opprobrium
- reprobation
- reprehension
- deprecation