Agree vs. Concur

Attribute	Agree	Concur
Definition	to have the same opinion or belief	to be of the same mind or opinion
Synonyms	concur, assent, accede, consent	agree, assent, consent, accede
Usage	formal	formal
Origin	Middle English: from Old French agreer, based on Latin ad- ‘to’ + gratus ‘pleasing’	Middle English: from Latin concurrere ‘run together’, from con- ‘together’ + currere ‘run’

Definition

Agree and concur are two words that are often used interchangeably in conversation, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Agree typically means to have the same opinion or belief as someone else, while concur means to agree with someone else's opinion or decision. In other words, agreeing implies that you share the same viewpoint, while concurring suggests that you are in alignment with someone else's viewpoint.

Usage

When it comes to usage, agree is a more commonly used word in everyday conversation. People often say "I agree" to express their approval or support for something. On the other hand, concur is a more formal word that is often used in professional or academic settings. For example, a board of directors might concur on a decision during a meeting.

Formality

As mentioned earlier, agree is a more casual word that is used in everyday conversation. It is often used in informal settings with friends, family, or colleagues. On the other hand, concur is a more formal word that is typically used in professional or academic settings. It is often used in written communication, such as emails, reports, or official documents.

Agreement

When it comes to agreement, both agree and concur imply that two or more parties are in alignment with each other. However, agree tends to suggest a more personal agreement, while concur suggests a more formal or official agreement. For example, you might agree with a friend's opinion on a movie, but you would concur with a colleague's decision in a business meeting.

Etymology

The word "agree" comes from the Latin word "agre," which means "to please." It entered the English language in the 14th century. On the other hand, the word "concur" comes from the Latin word "concurrere," which means "to run together." It entered the English language in the 17th century. The etymology of these words sheds light on their subtle differences in meaning.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between agree and concur:

• I agree with your assessment of the situation. (personal agreement)
• I concur with the committee's decision to move forward with the project. (formal agreement)
• We all agree that the new policy is a step in the right direction. (personal agreement)
• The board of directors concurred on the budget proposal. (formal agreement)

Conclusion

While agree and concur are often used interchangeably, they have subtle differences in meaning and usage. Agree is a more casual word that is used in everyday conversation, while concur is a more formal word that is used in professional or academic settings. Both words imply agreement, but agree tends to suggest a more personal agreement, while concur suggests a more formal or official agreement. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you communicate more effectively in different contexts.