concession
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Something granted or allowed, especially in response to a demand or as part of a compromise; the act of conceding.
Can also refer to a special right, privilege, or reduction (e.g., a price reduction for students), or a physical space granted for a specific business activity (e.g., a food stall).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word inherently involves a relational dynamic: one party yields something (a concession) to another. It implies negotiation, compromise, or a recognition of a valid opposing point or need.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'concession' is the standard term for a price reduction for specific groups (e.g., student concession). In AmE, 'discount' is more common for this, though 'concession' is understood. The business/lease meaning (e.g., a refreshment stand) is strong in both.
Connotations
Similar in both, carrying a formal or legal flavour. The act of making a concession can be seen as pragmatic or as a sign of weakness, depending on context.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in formal, political, and business contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
concession to [someone/something]concession on [an issue]concession that [clause]concession for [a group/purpose]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to make concessions”
- “as a concession to”
- “a bone of concession (rare variant of 'a bone of contention')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A reduction in price or special terms granted in a negotiation (e.g., 'They won the contract after making significant price concessions.').
Academic
Used in rhetoric/logic for acknowledging an opposing argument (e.g., 'By way of concession, the author admits the data is preliminary.').
Everyday
A reduced price for students, seniors, etc. (BrE dominant) or a small business operating in a larger venue (e.g., 'Let's get popcorn from the concession stand.').
Technical
A grant of land or property by a government or authority for a specific use, common in natural resources (e.g., 'mining concession').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The verb is 'concede'. E.g., 'The minister was forced to concede the point.'
American English
- The verb is 'concede'. E.g., 'The candidate refused to concede the election.'
adverb
British English
- conceivably (related in root, but not direct), concessively (rare, technical)
American English
- conceivably (related in root, but not direct), concessively (rare, technical)
adjective
British English
- concessionary (e.g., 'concessionary bus fares for pensioners')
American English
- concessionary (e.g., 'concessionary rates for large groups')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Children can get a concession for the museum ticket.
- The shop has a price concession for students.
- After long talks, the company made a concession on working hours.
- We bought drinks at the concession stand in the cinema.
- The government's tax concession was aimed at stimulating small businesses.
- As a concession to local residents, the building height was reduced.
- Her argument was strengthened by a strategic concession to the opposing viewpoint.
- The oil exploration concession granted to the multinational was highly controversial.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONCESSion as a CONCessionary price you get after you CONCEDE that you belong to a special group.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGOTIATION IS WAR (making concessions is like retreating from a position). OWNERSHIP IS A CONTAINER (a concession is a piece of ownership/rights given away).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'уступка' in all contexts. For a physical business stall, 'киоск' or 'торговое место' is better. For a student discount, use 'льгота' or 'скидка'.
- Do not confuse with 'conception' (зачатие, концепция).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'concesion'.
- Using 'concession' for any small agreement (it implies yielding something).
- Pronouncing with stress on the first syllable: /ˈkɒnsɛʃən/ (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'concession' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, it involves yielding or granting something. However, the result can be positive, like obtaining a 'business concession' (a right to operate) or a 'price concession' (a beneficial discount).
A 'concession' is a specific thing that is yielded. A 'compromise' is the overall agreement reached through mutual concessions. You make concessions to reach a compromise.
Yes. It can refer to the physical space or business itself (e.g., a snack concession at a theatre) granted by a lease or contract.
It is neutral but context-dependent. In negotiations, it can be seen as cooperative. In conflict, it can be framed as weakness ('capitulation'). A 'travel concession' is purely positive for the recipient.
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