What does concede mean?
To concede is to admit something to be true, often reluctantly and after resistance — as when an opponent in debate finally acknowledges a point, or a politician accepts that a claim was mistaken. The word also carries the sense of yielding: a government may concede territory in a treaty, and in sport, a team is said to have conceded a goal when it lets the opponent score. Perhaps most visibly, a losing candidate in an election formally 'concedes' by publicly accepting defeat, often in a concession speech that has become a ritual of democratic life. Derived from Latin roots meaning to give way or yield alongside others, concede has long carried a note of reluctant surrender rather than cheerful agreement. That undertone gives the word its force: to concede is rarely a neutral act but a moment of giving ground, whether in argument, competition, or affairs of state.
verbTo admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it; to acknowledge, often reluctantly. In politics and sport, to accept defeat in a contest.
- To admit or acknowledge something to be true, often reluctantly or after initial denial.
- To yield or grant something, such as territory, rights, or a point in an argument.
- (Politics) To formally accept defeat in an election or contest.
- (Sport) To allow an opponent to score or win, as in conceding a goal.
"After hours of argument, she finally conceded that his plan was the better one."
"The senator conceded that the policy had failed to deliver its promised benefits."
"United conceded a late equalizer, drawing the match 2–2."
In American elections, the loser's 'concession speech' is such a fixture of political life that when a candidate refuses to give one, it makes headlines around the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of concede
Concede comes from Latin concedere, meaning 'to yield, give way, or grant', formed from com- ('together') plus cedere ('to go, yield'). The word entered English via French in the early 17th century. It shares its root with related English words including recede, accede, secede, cessation, and concede's own noun form, concession.
Related word forms
How concede is actually used
Concede often carries a tone of reluctant admission — someone concedes what they would prefer not to. It is common in formal contexts: politics, law, debate, and sports commentary. British English frequently uses it for allowing goals ('conceded three goals'), while American usage more often centers on elections and arguments.
Easily confused with concede
Concede means to openly admit something, while conceal means to hide it — near-opposite meanings despite similar spelling.
Concise means brief and clearly expressed; concede is a verb meaning to admit or yield.