What Does “Concur” Mean?
The word “concur” is a verb that means to agree or share the same opinion as someone else. It’s often used in formal or professional settings when expressing agreement with an idea, opinion, or decision. Concur can also mean that things coincide or happen at the same time, though the more common use relates to agreement.
- Agree: To express or show agreement with a person, group, or idea.
- Example: “I concur with your assessment of the situation.”
- Occur Simultaneously: To happen at the same time, often without planned coordination.
- Example: “The two events concurred, making it difficult for me to attend both.”
Synonyms for Concur:
- Agree
- Consent
- Approve
- Acknowledge
- Support
The Origins of “Concur”
The word “concur” comes from the Latin word “concurrere,” which means “to run together” or “to happen at the same time.” The prefix “con-“ means “together” or “with,” and the root “currere” means “to run” (from which we also get words like “current” and “course”). Originally, the term conveyed the idea of things running together, coinciding, or happening simultaneously. Over time, it evolved to mean the act of agreeing or giving one’s consent.
The transition from “simultaneous occurrence” to “agreement” likely arose because agreement often happens at the same time among people. When you agree with someone, you are “running in the same direction,” so to speak, and that concept took root in the meaning of “concur.”
How to Use “Concur” in Different Contexts
“Concur” is a versatile word, and while it is most commonly used to express agreement, it can be applied in various situations. Let’s break down some common contexts where you can use “concur”:
- In Everyday Conversations:
While “concur” is more formal than simply saying “agree,” it can still be used casually to show strong support or agreement.- Example: “I totally concur with your opinion on this matter.”
- In Formal Settings:
“Concur” is widely used in professional and legal contexts. It is often used in meetings, discussions, and official documents to express collective agreement.- Example: “The board members all concurred with the proposed budget adjustments.”
- In Academic or Professional Writing:
“Concur” is frequently used to articulate agreement or shared conclusions between experts, scholars, or professionals.- Example: “All the researchers concur that further study is needed to validate the results.”
- In Group or Team Settings:
If a team or group shares the same viewpoint, “concur” is often used to express unanimous agreement.- Example: “The team concurred that the project should move forward with the new approach.”
- In Legal or Official Documents:
In legal contexts, “concur” is used to show that all parties involved are in agreement with the terms, conditions, or decisions made.- Example: “The judge concurred with the decision to dismiss the case.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of “Concur”
Expanding your vocabulary is essential for expressing agreement in different ways. Here are some useful synonyms and antonyms for “concur”:
Synonyms:
- Agree: To express or show agreement, often in less formal contexts.
- Consent: To give permission or approval, often used in formal settings.
- Approve1: To express formal or official agreement or endorsement.
- Support: To be in favor of or back up an idea or action.
- Acknowledge: To admit or recognize something, often in agreement.
Antonyms:
- Disagree: To have a different opinion or view.
- Oppose: To actively resist or reject an idea.
- Refuse: To decline or reject an idea or proposal.
- Dissent: To express disagreement, especially in a formal or organized manner.
Example Sentence: “While I concur with the main idea, I dissent when it comes to the proposed solution.”
Real-Life Examples of “Concur” in Action
- Historical Example:
- The American Founding Fathers often concurred in their writings and speeches, showing agreement on key issues that shaped the United States.
- Business Example:
- In corporate board meetings, executives often concur on major decisions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and company strategies, as a show of unity.
- Political Example:
- In the U.S. Congress, lawmakers concur on certain bills, but at times, they also dissent, reflecting the complexity of decision-making in government.
How “Concur” Enhances Communication
Using the word “concur” in your language can add an element of formality and clarity to your speech or writing. It’s particularly useful when you want to:
- Show professionalism: In academic, legal, or business settings, using “concur” conveys that you are serious and thoughtful in your agreement.
- Strengthen your argument: By using “concur,” you are demonstrating that there is collective support, often making your argument more compelling.
- Express alignment: It’s a more nuanced way of saying “agree,” especially when the agreement is on a deeper, more formal level.
Example Usage in a Sentence:
- “We all concur that this is the best course of action moving forward.”
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Conclusion: Mastering “Concur” in Communication
The word “concur” is a powerful tool in language, allowing you to express agreement in formal, professional, and academic settings. Whether you’re engaging in a board meeting, legal discussion, or academic writing, “concur” helps you communicate alignment and collective support.
By understanding the meaning, origins, and contexts of “concur,” you can enhance your vocabulary and use this word with confidence in various professional, academic, and social settings. It’s not just about agreeing—it’s about showing that your agreement is thoughtful and considered.
3 SEO-Boosting External Links:
- Merriam-Webster: Concur Definition
- Vocabulary.com: Concur Meaning
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: Concur Definition
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