Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kənˈkɜːrəns/

Definitions

• The state of agreeing or being in harmony with someone or something.
• The occurrence of events at the same time; coincidence.
• A formal agreement or approval, especially in legal or governmental contexts.

Usage Examples

• The concurrence of the two political parties led to the successful passage of the bill.
• The team reached a consensus after much discussion and concurrence on the plan.
• The concurrence of holidays and school breaks makes it difficult to plan family vacations.

Etymology

From Middle French "concurrence," from Late Latin "concurrentia," meaning "a running together," from "concurrere" meaning "to run together" or "to agree." The word has been used in English since the 15th century to mean a coming together of forces, events, or opinions.

Synonyms

• Agreement
• Consent
• Harmony
• Unity
• Accord
• Coincidence

Antonyms

• Disagreement
• Conflict
• Dissent
• Opposition
• Contradiction

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "concurrence" is typically pronounced with a more rounded 'r' sound: /kənˈkɜːrəns/.
• In American English, the pronunciation may emphasize the first syllable more and the 'r' can be slightly rhotic: /kənˈkɜːrəns/.

Historical Usage

First recorded in the late Middle Ages, the term "concurrence" was used to describe the alignment of opinions or actions, especially in legal or formal contexts. In the 17th century, the word was often used in reference to simultaneous actions or events, and by the 18th century, it became increasingly associated with official agreements or actions taken in harmony. Its current use often implies formal or legal concurrence.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of "concurrence" can carry different connotations depending on the cultural and legal context. In some cultures, concurrence implies collective decision-making and community consensus. In legal settings, it suggests a formal, often written, agreement. The word can also be used in competitive contexts, such as in sports or business, to refer to the simultaneous existence of multiple actions or outcomes.

More Information

Concurrence plays a vital role in decision-making, especially in contexts where formal or collective agreement is required. In international law, concurrence can refer to the joint approval of multiple states or parties. In business, it is often used to denote agreement between parties in contracts or negotiations. Additionally, concurrence is vital in many democratic processes, where consensus is necessary for policy decisions or legal actions. Understanding this concept is crucial in fields such as law, politics, and social sciences, where it denotes harmony, alignment, and collective approval.