accept vs except: what's the difference?

Accept means "to receive or agree to"; except means "not including".

accept

/əkˈsɛpt/

Meaning: to receive something offered, or to agree

Example: “I accept your apology.”

Full definition of accept →

except

/ɪkˈsɛpt/

Meaning: not including; apart from

Example: “Everyone came except Tom.”

Full definition of except →

How to remember

Except and exclude both start with "ex", meaning "out".

More commonly confused words