capitulate
To cease resisting and surrender under agreed conditions
Examples
In a meeting
“After three rounds of negotiation, we decided to capitulate on the pricing terms to close the deal.”
Over coffee
“I finally capitulated and agreed to host Thanksgiving this year.”
Why this word
surrender
Capitulate means yielding under pressure or after resistance, often with conditions or terms, while surrender is broader giving up of power or position
give in
Capitulate implies formal or complete yielding after struggle, often reluctantly, while give in is casual acceptance or concession
yield
Capitulate specifically means ceasing resistance and submitting to demands, while yield is broader giving way or producing
Usage tip
Use when someone surrenders after resistance, often reluctantly but formally. Implies acknowledging defeat while preserving dignity.
Etymology
Latin 'capitulare' (arrange under headings), from 'capitulum' (chapter, heading)
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something