admit

To say that something is true, especially when you feel embarrassed or would rather hide it.

• I admit I was wrong.
• She admitted taking the money.
• Will he ever admit his mistake?

How to use it: admit that… (He admitted that he had forgotten my birthday.); admit doing something (She admitted breaking the window.); admit to something/doing something (He admitted to cheating in the exam.)

Similar words: acknowledge, confess, concede

Opposites: deny

Common phrases: admit a mistake, admit to something, admit doing something, admit the truth

To officially take someone into a hospital or similar place for care or treatment.

• The hospital admitted him last night.
• She was admitted to a care home.
• Patients with serious injuries are admitted immediately.

How to use it: admit someone to something (The doctor admitted her to the hospital for tests.); be admitted with something (He was admitted with severe chest pain.)

Similar words: hospitalize

Opposites: discharge

Common phrases: admit a patient, admit someone to hospital

To allow someone to enter a place.

• This ticket admits two people.
• The guard admitted the visitors through the gate.
• Children under twelve are not admitted to the exhibition.

How to use it: admit someone to/into something (The guard admitted us into the building.)

Similar words: let in, allow in

Opposites: exclude

Common phrases: admit someone, admit someone to something

To officially allow someone to join a profession or receive a particular right.

• The club admitted three new members.
• She was admitted to the legal profession last year.
• The association admits only applicants with the required qualifications.

How to use it: admit someone to something (The society admits new members every spring.); admit someone to do something (Only qualified lawyers are admitted to practice before this court.)

Similar words: accept, authorize

Opposites: exclude

Common phrases: admit someone to something, admit new members