What does accepting mean?
Accepting describes a willingness to receive, tolerate, or embrace people, situations, or ideas without objection, judgment, or resistance. As an adjective, it most often characterizes an attitude — an accepting parent, an accepting community, an accepting view of change — and it typically appears alongside the preposition 'of', as in 'she was accepting of the outcome'. The word carries a distinctly positive connotation: it suggests openness, patience, and emotional maturity rather than passive resignation, distinguishing it from merely putting up with something. In everyday usage it is especially common in discussions of diversity, personal growth, and relationships, where being accepting signals that differences are welcomed rather than merely endured. Derived from the verb 'accept', which traces back through Old French to the Latin 'accipere' ('to take or receive'), the word belongs to a family of terms concerned with receiving and taking in. Its usefulness lies in naming a quality that is easy to admire but often difficult to practice.
adjectiveWilling to tolerate or receive something without objection or resistance; showing acceptance of a situation, person, or idea as it is.
- Willing to tolerate or embrace a person, situation, or difference without judgment or resistance.
- (Of a person or group) receptive and welcoming toward others, especially those who are different.
"She was remarkably accepting of the changes, adapting to the new routine with quiet grace."
"He was accepting of his colleague's unconventional approach, recognizing the value in a different perspective."
"The school prides itself on being an accepting community where students from all backgrounds feel welcome."
The same Latin root that gives us 'accepting' also hides inside 'conceive' and 'perceive' — all about taking things in, whether ideas, images, or people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of accepting
Accepting derives from the verb 'accept', which entered English in the late Middle English period via Old French 'accepter', itself borrowed from Latin 'accipere', meaning 'to take or receive'. The Latin root combines 'ad-' ('toward') with 'capere' ('to take'), the same root that appears in words such as 'conceive', 'perceive', and 'receive'. The adjectival form developed later, describing a disposition of willingness to take in or tolerate.
Related word forms
How accepting is actually used
Often used predicatively with the preposition 'of' (e.g. 'accepting of change'). Carries a warm, positive connotation, suggesting openness rather than mere resignation.
Easily confused with accepting
'Accepting' means willingly receiving or tolerating something, while 'excepting' means excluding or leaving something out.