Acceptation Definition and Usage

Teacher Gu's English Class

acceptation

/ˌæk.sepˈteɪ.ʃən/
noun formal

Definition: The generally understood meaning of a word or phrase

Origin: From Latin acceptationem, from acceptare ("to receive")

📚 Core Meanings

Linguistic Meaning

The accepted or generally understood sense of a word

The acceptation of this term has changed over time.
This word's common meaning has evolved.
Linguistics

Legal Usage

The interpretation of words in their ordinary sense

The contract was interpreted according to its acceptation.
The document was understood in its ordinary meaning.
Law

Approval Sense

Favorable reception or approval

The proposal met with general acceptation.
The plan received widespread approval.
Formal

"Acceptation" is a formal term primarily used in linguistic and legal contexts. While it can mean "approval," this usage is less common in modern English.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The acceptation of this term differs between fields.

In its common acceptation, the word means "happy."

The law follows the ordinary acceptation of words.

Explanation

This term's accepted meaning varies by discipline.

In its general understanding, the word means "happy."

The law uses words in their ordinary sense.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/ˌæk.sepˈteɪ.ʃən/

ak-sep-TAY-shun

American Pronunciation

/ˌæk.səpˈteɪ.ʃən/

ak-suhp-TAY-shun

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "ak-SEP-tay-shun" (wrong stress)
  • Omitting the /p/ sound in "accept"
  • Mispronouncing the ending as /siˈteɪʃən/

🎯 Common Collocations

Common acceptation

The generally understood meaning

Common acceptation of the term
Generally understood meaning
Linguistics

Ordinary acceptation

The usual interpretation

Ordinary acceptation in law
Standard interpretation
Legal

General acceptation

Widespread understanding

General acceptation among scholars
Widespread agreement
Academic

Grammatical Notes

Singular: acceptation
Plural: acceptations

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't Confuse:

Acceptation means the same as acceptance. (Incorrect)

Correct:Acceptation refers to meaning, while acceptance means approval.

The acceptation is always fixed. (Incorrect)

Correct:The acceptation of words can change over time.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The acceptation of this word has narrowed over centuries.
2. In its legal acceptation, the term means "immediate."
3. Scholars debate the proper acceptation of this ancient text.

1. This word's accepted meaning has become more specific over time.

2. In its legal interpretation, the term means "immediate."

3. Scholars discuss the correct understanding of this ancient text.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• The acceptation varies by context. [ˌæk.səpˈteɪ.ʃən]
• This is the common acceptation. [ˌæk.sepˈteɪ.ʃən]
• Legal acceptation differs from colloquial usage. [ˌæk.səpˈteɪ.ʃən]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. Acceptation means the same as acceptance.
2. Pronounced as "ak-SEP-ta-shun"
3. The acceptation never changes.

1. Acceptation refers to meaning, not approval.

2. Pronounced as [ˌæk.səpˈteɪ.ʃən] (stress on "TAY")

3. The acceptation can evolve over time.