The root word “-cede” comes from the Latin verb cedere, meaning “to go”, “to yield” or “to withdraw”. This root is found in various English words, many of which relate to movement, giving up control or making concessions.
English Words Derived from Cedere
- Accede: To agree to a request or demand; to assume an office or position. The prefix “ac-” means “to” or “towards”.
- Example: “She acceded to the company’s terms and accepted the job offer.”
- Concede: To admit that something is valid after denying or resisting it; to yield or give up.
- Example: “After a long debate, he finally conceded that he was wrong.”
- Recede: To move back or further away from a previous position.
- Example: “The floodwaters began to recede after the rain stopped.”
- Secede: To withdraw formally from membership in a federal union, an alliance or a political or religious organisation.
- Example: “The state decided to secede from the union.”
- Intercede: To intervene on behalf of another.
- Example: “She interceded in the dispute to help resolve the conflict.”
- Precede: To come before something in time, order or position.
- Example: “A formal dinner will precede the ceremony.”
These examples illustrate how the root “-cede” forms words that involve notions of movement, yielding or stepping away from a position.
