accept the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accept the outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to come to terms with a result or conclusion, especially in contexts involving decisions, competitions, or situations where the result is beyond one's control. Example: "After the final results were announced, the team had to accept the outcome and move forward with their plans for next season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's tradition and ritual, custom and acceptance behind that, fans who are good sports will accept the outcome, and it gives fodder for big arguments and beer sales.

The New York Times

After casting his ballot, Bainimarama was asked whether he would accept the outcome if he lost.

The Guardian

And would the current government accept the outcome of the election?

The Guardian

Like many of the speakers Mre Williams urged members to accept the outcome of the vote.

The Guardian

Vice President Gore and Senator Lieberman are apparently still unwilling to accept the outcome.

The New York Times

We can assure (you) that we will accept the outcome of the ballot box".

The Guardian

Asked if he would accept the outcome of the election, Trump demurred.

The Guardian

Democracy works only when the parties that lose an election accept the outcome.

The Economist

But government officials denied that there had been widespread fraud and urged people to accept the outcome of the election.

The New York Times

Some say we have to accept the outcome of democratic elections - but elections do not always make democrats".

The Guardian

No less destructive of the principle of democracy was the refusal to accept the outcome of a national election.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accept the outcome" to convey a sense of resolution and moving forward, especially after a decision, election, or competition. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the result and continuing accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "accept the outcome" when you need to convey active support or endorsement. Acceptance implies acknowledgment, not necessarily approval. If active support is meant, consider stronger verbs like "support" or "endorse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept the outcome" primarily functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes the action of acknowledging and becoming reconciled to a particular result or decision. It often implies a sense of finality and moving forward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accept the outcome" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies acknowledging and coming to terms with a particular result or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, reflecting its relevance in reporting on events with definitive outcomes. While alternatives like "recognise the outcome" or "embrace the outcome" exist, "accept the outcome" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences, emphasizing resolution and the need to move forward. The key is to use it to convey acknowledgement, and not necessarily active support, as more forceful alternatives may be more appropriate in such situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accept the result

A direct synonym, simply replacing "outcome" with "result" without changing the meaning.

recognise the outcome

Focuses on acknowledging or understanding the result, without necessarily implying agreement or approval.

take the outcome

Suggests receiving or dealing with the result, often with a sense of obligation.

assume the outcome

Implies anticipating or expecting a particular result, which precedes accepting it.

embrace the outcome

Indicates a more positive and enthusiastic acceptance of the result, suggesting willingness to move forward.

understand the outcome

Emphasizes comprehension of the result, rather than necessarily accepting or agreeing with it.

support the outcome

Implies actively endorsing or promoting the result, going beyond simple acceptance.

endorse the outcome

Suggests formal approval or backing of the result, often in an official capacity.

swallow the outcome

Suggests reluctantly accepting the result, often with a sense of disappointment or resignation.

approve the outcome

Implies giving official consent or sanction to the result, indicating agreement and permission.

FAQs

How to use "accept the outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "accept the outcome" to describe acknowledging and coming to terms with a particular result, such as "After the vote, both parties agreed to "accept the outcome" peacefully".

What can I say instead of "accept the outcome"?

Alternatives include "recognise the outcome", "take the outcome", or "embrace the outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "accept the outcome" or "support the outcome"?

"Accept the outcome" implies acknowledging the result, while "support the outcome" suggests actively endorsing or promoting it. The better choice depends on whether you're emphasizing acknowledgment or active agreement.

What's the difference between "accept the outcome" and "understand the outcome"?

"Accept the outcome" indicates coming to terms with a result, whereas "understand the outcome" simply means comprehending it. You can understand a result without necessarily accepting it.