c-o-n-c-e-d-e
CONCEDE means to admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it, or to surrender or give up (a right, position, or advantage) to another. The word comes from Latin "concedere" meaning "to yield" or "to grant." In word games, CONCEDE is valuable as a 7-letter word that can earn the 50-point bingo bonus, worth 12 base points in Scrabble.
12
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
To CONCEDE means to acknowledge or admit that something is true, just, or proper, often reluctantly and after initial resistance. This verb encompasses several related meanings: admitting defeat or the superiority of an opponent, granting or yielding a right or privilege, and allowing or accepting something as valid despite personal disagreement.
The act of conceding often involves a shift from opposition to acceptance, whether in formal debates, political contests, legal proceedings, or everyday arguments. It implies a recognition of reality over stubbornness, and often demonstrates maturity, wisdom, or strategic thinking. When someone concedes, they may be acknowledging facts they cannot dispute, accepting an outcome they cannot change, or strategically yielding on one point to gain advantage on another.
Concession can be voluntary or forced by circumstances. A voluntary concession might be made to maintain relationships, show good faith, or demonstrate reasonableness. A forced concession occurs when evidence becomes overwhelming, resistance becomes futile, or the cost of continued opposition exceeds the benefit. In either case, the act of conceding often marks a turning point in disputes, negotiations, or competitive situations.
The word concede derives from the Latin "concedere," formed from "con-" (together, completely) + "cedere" (to go, yield, give way). The Latin "cedere" is the root of many English words including "cede," "recede," "precede," and "succeed." The original sense was literally "to go away" or "to withdraw."
The word entered Middle English via Old French "conceder" in the 15th century, initially carrying the meaning of "to grant" or "to allow." The modern sense of "admitting reluctantly" developed later, as the word evolved to encompass the psychological aspect of yielding one's position rather than just the physical or legal act of granting something.
Related words from the same Latin root include "concession" (the act of conceding), "concessive" (expressing concession), and "conceder" (one who concedes). The word's evolution reflects the human experience of yielding—from physical withdrawal to intellectual or emotional surrender of a position.
In debates and discussions, to concede means acknowledging the validity of an opponent's point while not necessarily agreeing with their overall position. This rhetorical strategy can strengthen one's credibility by showing fairness and rationality while focusing attention on stronger arguments.
In competitions, conceding often means acknowledging defeat before the official end. This can preserve dignity, conserve resources, or acknowledge the inevitable. In chess, for example, players commonly concede when their position becomes hopeless rather than playing to checkmate.
In negotiations, concessions are strategic tools. Parties may concede certain points to gain advantage on others, build goodwill, or move discussions forward. The art of negotiation often involves knowing when and what to concede for maximum benefit.
In politics, conceding an election means acknowledging defeat and accepting the opponent's victory. This tradition is crucial for democratic transitions of power. Famous concession speeches often focus on unity, congratulating the victor, and pledging support for a peaceful transition.
In legal proceedings, parties may concede certain facts to streamline trials and focus on disputed issues. Conceding evidence or testimony can be strategic, avoiding lengthy debates over undisputed matters while preserving resources for more important arguments.
In international relations, concessions are often part of treaty negotiations, peace talks, or trade agreements. Nations may concede territorial claims, trade advantages, or other benefits to achieve broader strategic goals or maintain relationships.
In sports, knowing when to concede requires balancing pride with practicality. Conceding can preserve energy for future contests, prevent injury, or acknowledge superior skill while maintaining dignity.
•CONCEDE is a 7-letter word that can earn the valuable 50-point bingo bonus if you use all your tiles
•The first recorded concession speech in U.S. presidential history was William Jennings Bryan's telegram to William McKinley in 1896
•In chess, the percentage of games ending in resignation (concession) rather than checkmate increases significantly at higher skill levels
•The Latin root "cedere" appears in over 50 English words, making it one of the most productive roots in the language
"After reviewing the evidence, the lawyer had to concede that his client's alibi was flawed."
— Legal context
"The candidate graciously called to concede the election to her opponent."
— Political context
"Playing CONCEDE across a triple word score earned me 78 points with the bingo bonus!"
— Word game context
"I concede that your approach might be more efficient than mine."
— Conversational context
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 12 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 (O, E, E) | Consonants: 4 (C, N, C, D)
Bingo potential: 7-letter word qualifies for 50-point bonus
Pattern: CVCCVCV (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel)
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like CONCEDE