accepted
Meaning
generally recognized or agreed upon as being valid, correct, or satisfactory.
(of a belief or opinion) held by a person or group.
Structure
Usage
the accepted theory among scientists is that climate change is largely human-induced.
he finally felt accepted by his new colleagues after the successful project.
it is an accepted practice to tip waitstaff in this country.
Etymology
the word 'accepted' originates from the latin verb 'accipere', a compound of 'ad-' (to) and 'capere' (to take), literally meaning "to take to oneself, receive willingly". this concept passed into late latin as 'acceptare', a frequentative form emphasizing the act of receiving favorably. entering english via old french 'accepter', the past participle 'accepted' evolved into an adjective describing something that has been received with approval or is generally taken as valid. the core logic from "taking towards oneself" seamlessly extends to the modern abstract meanings of receiving ideas, offers, or standards as legitimate and satisfactory.
Analysis
- ac: a latin prefix (ad-), meaning "to, towards, near". it assimilates to 'ac-' before 'c'. - cept: from latin root 'capere' (to take, seize, hold), appearing as 'cept' in its past participial stem. - ed: an old english suffix used to form adjectives from verbs, indicating a state or condition.