to-come-to-terms-with
/tə kʌm tuː tɜːmz wɪð/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
If you come to terms with something bad or difficult, you accept it and start living with it. It often means the situation cannot be changed, so you stop fighting it.
- She finally came to terms with her injury.
- He is still coming to terms with the loss.
- We must come to terms with the new reality.
Adinary Nuance
Come to terms with is close to accept, but it is stronger and more personal. It often suggests a slow emotional process, not a quick decision. Use it when someone needs time to face a painful truth or permanent change. It is more natural than simply saying "accept" in sad or serious situations.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- chấp nhận
- Spanish
- aceptar
- Chinese
- 接受
- Japanese
- 受け入れる
- Korean
- 받아들이다
Etymology
This phrase comes from older English use of "terms" meaning an agreement or conditions. By the 1800s, it was used figuratively for accepting difficult facts.
Common phrases
come to terms with realitycome to terms with losscome to terms with changecome to terms with the truth
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "come to terms with" formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
- What is the difference between "come to terms with" and "accept"?
- "Come to terms with" suggests a slower emotional process than "accept".
- Can I use "come to terms with" for happy changes?
- Usually, it is used for difficult or painful changes.
- Is "come to terms with" used in academic writing?
- Yes, especially in psychology, education, and reflective writing.