concessionary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; official; business; governmental.
Quick answer
What does “concessionary” mean?
Relating to, involving, or constituting a concession (a special right, privilege, or discount granted, often as a favour or from an authority).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to, involving, or constituting a concession (a special right, privilege, or discount granted, often as a favour or from an authority).
Characterizing an arrangement where something (like a price, rate, or condition) is offered at a reduced or preferential level, often to a specific group, as part of a policy, agreement, or goodwill gesture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British English in official public service contexts (e.g., 'concessionary travel').
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with formal schemes, discounts for specific groups, and contractual or governmental agreements.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, but consistently used in policy, transport, and business documents.
Grammar
How to Use “concessionary” in a Sentence
[concessionary] + NOUN (fare, rate)available on a [concessionary] basisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concessionary” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Eligible residents can apply for a concessionary bus pass.
American English
- The museum offers concessionary admission for veterans and students.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to specially negotiated rates for bulk buyers or long-term clients.
Academic
Used in economics or public policy discussing subsidized access to services.
Everyday
Most commonly encountered regarding tickets for seniors, students, or the unemployed.
Technical
In legal/contractual contexts, describing terms granted as part of a deal.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concessionary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concessionary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concessionary”
- Using 'concessional' (more common in finance/economics) interchangeably in everyday contexts. Spelling: confusion with 'concessionery' or 'concessonary'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'concessionary' often implies an official scheme or policy for a specific group, while 'discounted' can be more general or promotional.
No, it is solely an adjective. The noun forms are 'concession' or 'concessionaire' (a person/company holding a concession).
'Concessional' is used mainly in international finance (e.g., concessional loan). 'Concessionary' is broader, covering discounts, fares, and rates in everyday and business contexts.
It is not an everyday vocabulary item but is common in specific formal contexts like public transport, ticketing, contracts, and policy documents.
Relating to, involving, or constituting a concession (a special right, privilege, or discount granted, often as a favour or from an authority).
Concessionary is usually formal; official; business; governmental. in register.
Concessionary: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈsɛʃ(ə)n(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈsɛʃəˌnɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on a concessionary basis”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONCESSION stand at an event that gives a SPECIAL DISCOUNT (a concession) to seniors. That stand is CONCESSIONARY.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY GRANTING A GIFT (The concession is framed as something given, often by a stronger entity to a weaker or deserving one).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'concessionary' LEAST likely to be used?