v.tr. 1 (also absol.) consent to receive (a thing offered). 2 (also absol.) give an affirmative answer to (an offer or proposal). 3 regard favourably; treat as welcome (her mother-in-law never accepted her). 4 a believe, receive (an opinion, explanation, etc.) as adequate or valid. b be prepared to subscribe to (a belief, philosophy, etc.). 5 receive as suitable (the hotel accepts traveller's cheques; the machine only accepts tokens). 6 a tolerate; submit to (accepted the umpire's decision). b (often foll. by that + clause) be willing to believe (we accept that you meant well). 7 undertake (an office or responsibility). 8 agree to meet (a draft or bill of exchange). accepted opinion one generally held to be correct. accepter n.
[ ME f. OF accepter or L acceptare f. accipere (as AC-, capere take) ]