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Letter A
contract law

Acceptance

An unequivocal assent to the terms of an offer, communicated to the offeror in the manner invited or required by the offer.

Encyclopedia entry: Acceptance

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acceptance

Acceptance means to assent to the terms of an offer . Some common uses of the term “acceptance” in a legal sense include: 

  • In the context of contracts , acceptance refers to one person’s compliance with the terms of an offer made by another.
    • Acceptance is judged objectively, but can either be expressly stated or implied by the offeree's  conduct.  
    • To form a binding contract , acceptance should be relayed in a manner authorized, requested, or at least reasonably expected by the offeror .

     

  • In the context of insurance law, acceptance takes place when an insurer agrees to the person's application for insurance and in turn issues them a policy to cover certain risks or perils.
  • In the context of business transactions, acceptance takes place when a buyer agrees to purchase a product from a seller even if the product or goods was not what was originally agreed upon.

[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.