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Accept vs Obey - What's the difference?

accept | obey |

In transitive terms the difference between accept and obey

is that accept is to receive officially while obey is to do as ordered by (a person, institution etc), to act according to the bidding of.

In intransitive terms the difference between accept and obey

is that accept is to receive something willingly while obey is to do as one is told.

As an adjective accept

is accepted.

accept

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To receive, especially with a consent, with favour, or with approval.
  • * (rfdate)
  • She accepted of a treat.
  • * (rfdate), Psalms 20:3
  • The Lord accept thy burnt sacrifice.
  • To admit to a place or a group.
  • The Boy Scouts were going to accept him as a member.
  • To regard as proper, usual, true, or to believe in.
  • I accept the fact that Christ lived.
  • To receive as adequate or satisfactory.
  • To receive or admit to; to agree to; to assent to; to submit to.
  • I accept your proposal, amendment, or excuse.
  • To endure patiently.
  • I accept my punishment.
  • (transitive, legal, business) To agree to pay.
  • To receive officially
  • to accept the report of a committee
  • To receive something willingly.
  • I accept .

    Synonyms

    * receive * take * withtake * admit

    Antonyms

    * reject * decline

    Derived terms

    * accepted * acceptedly * accepter * acceptive * accept a bill * accept person * accept service

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Accepted.
  • * 1599 , (William Shakespeare), , V-ii
  • Pass our accept and peremptory answer.
    ----

    obey

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To do as ordered by (a person, institution etc), to act according to the bidding of.
  • To do as one is told.
  • (obsolete) To be obedient, compliant (to a given law, restriction etc.).
  • * 1590 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , III.iv:
  • They were all taught by Triton, to obay / To the long raynes, at her commaundement [...].

    Antonyms

    * disobey * defy * rebel * resist * violate (especially rules )