Definition of Acceptable
Acceptable (adjective) refers to something that is adequate, satisfactory, or meeting a required standard. It implies a level of sufficiency that, while not necessarily excellent, is deemed appropriate or passable in a given situation.
Synonyms of Acceptable
Understanding synonyms helps expand vocabulary and improves clarity in communication. Below are categorized synonyms based on their strength of similarity to “acceptable.”
Strongest Matches (Closest Synonyms)
- Adequate
- Satisfactory
- Tolerable
- Reasonable
- Permissible
- Sufficient
Strong Matches (Close in Meaning)
- Agreeable
- Proper
- Suitable
- Fair
- Decent
- Allowable
- Legitimate
Weak Matches (Similar but Context-Dependent)
- Passable
- Moderate
- Mediocre
- Okay
- Respectable
- Bearable
- Unobjectionable
Example Sentences
To better understand the usage of “acceptable” in different contexts, consider the following sentences:
- General Use: “The quality of the project was acceptable, but there was room for improvement.”
- Business & Professional: “Your proposal meets the necessary criteria and is deemed acceptable for submission.”
- Education: “An acceptable score on the exam requires a minimum of 70%.”
- Social & Ethical: “Behavior that was once considered acceptable in the past may no longer be appropriate today.”
- Legal & Compliance: “This practice is legally acceptable according to the current regulations.”
- Everyday Conversation: “The restaurant’s service was acceptable, but I expected better.”
Contextual Usage of Acceptable
“Acceptable” can be used in various contexts, each adding a slightly different nuance:
- Moral & Ethical Contexts: Used to describe behavior or actions that align with social norms or ethical standards. (Example: “It is not acceptable to discriminate against others.”)
- Academic & Professional Contexts: Indicates that something meets minimum standards. (Example: “Her research paper was acceptable but lacked originality.”)
- Legal & Regulatory Contexts: Describes something that is permissible under rules or regulations. (Example: “Only acceptable identification forms will be allowed.”)
- Everyday Speech: Used to express sufficiency in a casual manner. (Example: “The movie was acceptable, but I wouldn’t watch it again.”)
Related Words & Concepts
While not direct synonyms, the following words are often associated with “acceptable”:
- Approval: The act of agreeing that something is acceptable.
- Compliance: Meeting a set of acceptable standards or regulations.
- Allowable: Something that is permitted within a given set of rules.
- Adequacy: The quality of being acceptable in terms of sufficiency.
Additional Relevant Information
- Etymology: The word “acceptable” originates from the Latin “acceptabilis,” meaning “worthy of acceptance.”
- Common Collocations: “Acceptable behavior,” “acceptable risk,” “acceptable solution,” “acceptable answer.”
- Antonyms: Unacceptable, inadequate, inappropriate, insufficient.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Usage of the word “acceptable” may vary based on cultural, social, and situational contexts. Always consider the nuances of meaning when applying it in professional or formal settings.
