accede

Everyday

1. (formal) To agree to a request or demand, often after first not wanting to. tree →
2. (formal) To take up an important job or position, especially to become king or queen (accede to the throne). tree →
3. (formal, law) For a country to join an agreement or an organisation. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff, formal word met in history lessons, news and exam texts. It is almost always followed by "to": accede to a request, accede to the throne. In stories it shows someone giving way to pressure. Plain words: agree, give in, become king or queen.

Examples

• The head teacher finally acceded to our request for a longer break. tree →
• The king's daughter acceded to the throne when he died. tree →
• The company would not accede to the workers' demands. tree →
• After much arguing, Dad acceded and let us keep the puppy. tree →
• The country acceded to the treaty and became a member. tree →
• The council acceded to the parents' wish for a crossing guard. tree →
• She refused to accede to their threats. tree →
• Zeus swore by the Styx (which was to the gods an irrevocable oath) to accede to her request whatsoever it might be. tree →

Note

Always "accede to" something. Formal: in speech people say "agree to" or "give in to". Do not confuse with exceed (go beyond) or concede (admit or give up). The noun is accession (the accession of a new queen).