aceptar
Lemma Details
Translation: to accept; to agree to; to approve; to take on
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'acceptare', an intensive form of 'accipere' meaning 'to receive'. The Latin 'accipere' comes from 'ad-' (to) + 'capere' (to take). This shares the same Latin root as the English word 'accept'. The 'cept' part relates to many English words involving taking or receiving, such as 'reception', 'conception', and 'perception'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'accept' in English - they sound very similar.
- Remember 'a-CEPT-ar' - you ACCEPT what you're given.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of acceptance is important in social interactions. 'Aceptar' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, from accepting invitations to accepting terms and conditions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'aceptar' means 'to accept', 'exceptuar' means 'to except' or 'to exclude'. They sound similar but have nearly opposite meanings.
Confused word:
Exceptuaron a los menores de edad de esta regla.
They excepted minors from this rule.
Notes: The prefix 'ex-' in 'exceptuar' gives a clue that something is being taken out or excluded.
Mnemonic: 'Aceptar' includes (like 'accept'), while 'exceptuar' excludes (like 'except').
Explanation: 'Aceptar' means to agree to or receive something offered, while 'adoptar' means to take on or choose something as your own (like adopting a child or a custom).
Notes: Both verbs involve taking something, but 'adoptar' implies a deeper integration or commitment.
Mnemonic: Think of 'adoptar' as taking something and making it part of your family or life, while 'aceptar' is simply receiving or agreeing to something.