Difference Between Accept and Aspect

Introduction

Were you aware that the words Aspect and Accept are two totally different words? While it is true that a few know this, it is also true that many people in the world, not just India, are totally unaware of the fact.

While most people are aware that the words Aspect and Accept are differently pronounced, not all are aware that both words have different meanings as well. This may not be a noticeable difference for non-native speakers of the English language. English can be a strange language indeed! Hence the confusion between the words Aspect and Accept.

Since many people around the world consider English to be a foreign language, Indian people are no exception. Many Indians grew up speaking their mother tongue, for example, Hindi, Marathi, or Telegu. It is understandable why some Indian English speakers would find it cumbersome to read and write in English, never mind trying to pronounce each word correctly.

There are quite a few words in the English language that sound the same but have completely different meanings. However, people who speak English every day, to their family at home, at work, or even at a grocery store are likely to realize the difference between both words.

These people will also understand the differences between both the words in their real-life usage, i.e., in sentences in conversation. This can be through the written or the spoken word. They might be fluent in verbalizing their thoughts, in accurately describing an abstract idea as something tangible and real enough for the other to understand, in English, of course.

To someone born speaking Hindi and other Indian dialects, the words Aspect and Accept may sound almost identical. However, if this person were to investigate further, they would see that even though both words sound the same, their spellings are indeed different. Later on, they would also realize their meanings too are different.

In the Cambridge English Dictionary, the word Accept means "to agree to take something or to consider something as satisfactory, reasonable, or true." On the other hand, the Cambridge English Dictionary defines the word Aspect as "one part of a situation, problem, subject, etc."

After we consider the dictionary meanings of both these words, we understand that though these words sound similar, they indeed have different meanings. Thus, by doing so, we have indeed proven that both of these words are not the same.

There are many English words like this that sound similar, but, upon further investigation, we find that the words have entirely different meanings! A few such words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings include words like 'New' and 'Knew' and 'Tail' and 'Tale'.

'Accept' vs. 'Aspect'

Let us now consider the differences between the words Accept and Aspect. Even though they do sound similar, the Cambridge English Dictionary defines these words in different ways. It is a fact that, despite both words sounding almost the same, they have different spellings and meanings too!

Yet, convincing a layperson who did not grow up speaking English is hard. Perhaps, one is more easily convinced of the differences after reading the dictionary's definitions of both words. Is there further proof? Are there any more differences that exist between these two words?

One more difference one can easily point out is the usage of either word in sentences. We can observe that when the word 'aspect' is used in a sentence, we refer to the different features or facets of something, for example, the aspects of 'Communication' or 'Greek Culture'.

When the word Aspect (so unlike Accept) is used in a sentence, it becomes easier to understand the differences between both words in their everyday usage. For example, consider the use of the word Aspect in the following sentence: 'You must consider each problem as an aspect of the whole!' (This example of the use of the word Aspect in a sentence helps us understand better what it means.)

Since the word Accept has an entirely different meaning, it would be easy to explain to a layperson why it differs from Aspect. (even though both the words sound the same.) While the word Aspect means 'the features' of something, on the other hand, Accept means 'to accept something' or 'to agree to take something' or to say 'yes to an offer or invitation based on a condition'.

Thus, we can see that the word Accept is used very differently, even in conversation. For example, consider how the word Accept is used in this sentence - 'We've offered her the job, but I don't know whether she'll accept it.'

 Therefore, one can easily observe that though both words practically sound the same, they have entirely different meanings and their application is also different! Consider referring to the table given below to understand some of the traditional differences between both similar-sounding words:

Differences Between Accept and Aspect in Tabular Form

Parameter of Comparison	Accept	Aspect
Grammatical Form	The word Accept is a Verb	The word Aspect is a noun.
Meaning	The word Accept means to receive, gain or approve	The word aspect means the features/facets of a thing or a situation.
Function	Acceptance usually happens after conditions are accepted	An Aspect is an angle or perspective
Hierarchy	The word Acceptance usually comes after the word Aspect	Aspects are discovered before an acceptance of reality
Individuality	An Acceptance is required to find a logical Aspect	Aspects of a situation or thing are considered facets of an entity.

What is 'Accept'?

While the meaning seems clear by now, the English word Accept comes from the Old French word 'Accepter'. It is also taken directly from the Latin word 'Acceptare', which, when translated, means to 'take or receive willingly.' The word accept possibly originates from the word 'Accipere', which means to 'receive, get without effort.' (Cambridge English Dictionary)

You must take the trouble to find out how the words Accept, and Aspect are used in conversation and in writing as well. Knowing the dictionary's meaning is not enough to explain the differences between these words to a layman.

In common grammatical usage, the word Accept is said to be a verb (that changes to an adjective when we add a suffix 'ed' at the end, i.e., the word 'accepted'). If it helps to refresh one's memory, a verb is 'an action word' such as 'ran', 'sit', etc. Hence, when we 'accept' something or someone the way they are, we actively 'accept' that person or situation based on a condition.

Some similar meaning words or synonyms of the word 'accept' are - 'Receive', 'Welcome', 'Gain', and 'Acquire'. (Remember that unlike the likely homonyms' accept', and 'aspect' these words only have similar meanings, but they do not sound the same. So it is highly unlikely that the meanings of these words can ever be confused)

What is 'Aspect'?

The word 'aspect' is derived from the Latin word 'Aspectus', which, when translated, means 'looked at'. To explain further, the correct usage of the word is illustrated in the phrase 'Travel is her favorite aspect of her job!'

In grammatical usage, the word Aspect is a noun. Consider the quote by Cady Lang 'In this lies the most compelling—and most controversial—aspect of the show: believing that small children can safely do things out in the world and do them well, all by themselves.'

Trivia: You might not be aware, but the word aspect is frequently used in scholarly writings. It is also considered a useful term that is most appropriately used when analyzing something. For example, the sentence 'Have you thought about the problem from every aspect?'

Some words that are similar in meaning to the word 'aspect' are its synonyms like 'features, characteristics, angles, facets, phases, etc.

Differences Between Accept and Aspect in Points

• The word Aspect comes from the Latin word 'Aspectus' which when translated means 'looked at'. On the other hand, the word Accept is derived from the Old French word 'Accepter' and the Latin word 'Acceptare', which means 'to accept'
• In a grammatical context, the word Aspect is a noun, whereas the word Accept is most definitely a verb.
• When both words are used in sentences (in either verbal or written form) the usage is different.
• The synonyms of the word Aspect are 'characteristics', 'features', 'facets', and 'angles'. Synonyms of the word Accept are 'receive', 'gain', and 'acquire'.
• An example of a phrase/sentence showing the use of the word 'aspect' is: 'Lighting is a vitally important aspect of filmmaking.' An example of a sentence that shows the proper use of the word 'accept' is 'She accepted her award with grace.'

Conclusion

A non-native speaker of the English language would indeed find it difficult to distinguish between either of these words based on the sound at least. To explain to a layman, we need to refer to a Dictionary. Then again, the non-native speaker has to understand the basic differences between both words. Explaining the meaning of homonyms to them (in layman's terms) could be useful. Homonyms are similar-sounding English words that have different meanings. The words' aspect' and 'accept' are likely homonyms!

It will be hard for a person who was not born speaking the English language to understand this. They probably never had the luxury of learning it at a school level, which is not their fault. However, they might know that both words sound similar. For example, many Indian people make the common error of pronouncing 'ask' as 'aks'.

While we know that this small pronunciation error is forgivable, it is not forgivable to say 'aspect' instead of 'accept' or vice versa. As mentioned previously, both the meaning and the usage of these words are different. In the case of 'ask' and 'aks,' there is only a slight difference in pronunciation, but the meaning is the same. Wouldn't it be novel to explain this in layman's terms and also be understood?

This is an often-repeated mistake made by non-native English speakers, who might not have had the luxury of studying English in school. Consider these tips:

• It sounds practical to explain to a layperson that both the words aspect and accept have similar sounds but different meanings.
• We need to provide them with the Cambridge English Dictionary definitions of both words while being explicitly clear about the differences in meaning.
• We need to make them understand the different senses in which both words are used when expressing ourselves in writing or verbally. (i.e. in sentences)
• It would be beneficial to provide the layman with the origins of both English words, just so, they remember the differences between Aspect and Accept based on their etymology (For example, Aspect comes from the Latin 'Aspectus') and not on the sound/pronunciation. (also from Cambridge English Dictionary)
• Perhaps we could try explaining to them the meaning of both these words in their native language (Hindi, Marathi, Telegu). This would help them understand the whole concept better.
• Inform the non-native speaker about the different words for 'accept', like, 'receive', 'gain', and 'acquire' that have similar meanings. This will help them gain an idea about the diverse and flexible nature of the English language. (similarly, tell them the synonyms of Aspect)
• We need to tell them in layman's terms again that many English words sound the same, but have different meanings. For e.g. 'Gorilla' and 'Guerilla'. It will be fun to go through the process if you are organized about it.

It is obvious to those who speak the language fluently that the terms Accept and Aspect are both completely different English words. It is no one's fault that by sheer coincidence or luck, both words sound alike!

However, it is a fact that we can reach a compromise and keep everyone happy by following a somewhat systematic approach while explaining to a layman the different meanings of similar-sounding words 'accept' and 'aspect'. You can use the above steps to guide you if you like!