Definition

1. Noun:
   • The accepted meaning of a word or phrase: The particular sense or interpretation of a term that is generally understood and agreed upon within a language community.
   • Acceptance or approval: The act of accepting something, or the state of being accepted, especially with approval or favorable reception.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The word "cool" has an acceptation meaning "fashionable" in addition to its original meaning of "moderately cold." (Here, 'acceptation' refers to a specific, recognized meaning.)
  • The new policy gained quick acceptation among the staff. (Here, 'acceptation' refers to favorable reception or adoption.)

Advanced Usage

• In linguistics and lexicography: 'Acceptation' is a formal term used to discuss the specific, conventionalized senses in which a word is used and understood.
  • Dictionaries list the various acceptations of common words.

Variants and Related Words

• Accept (verb): To receive or agree to something.
• Acceptance (noun): The action of consenting to receive or undertake something; general agreement that something is valid or correct. (Note: 'Acceptance' is a more common and broader term than 'acceptation'.)
• Acceptable (adjective): Able to be agreed on; suitable.

Synonyms

• Meaning: Sense, definition, interpretation, signification.
• Approval: Adoption, endorsement, reception, sanction.

Notes on Usage

• The meaning-related sense of 'acceptation' is now less common in everyday English and is often replaced by "meaning," "sense," or "definition." The approval-related sense is also largely synonymous with the more frequently used noun "acceptance."
• The term is primarily used in formal, academic, or technical contexts, particularly in discussions about language and semantics.

Noun

1. the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception
   • its adoption by society
   • the proposal found wide acceptance
2. the accepted meaning of a word
3. acceptance as true or valid