WordGarden.ioconcur
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənkˈɜː/
US
- /kənˈkɜr/
Meanings
Verb
to agree with someone or share the same opinion
to happen or exist at the same time
to act together with other factors to produce a result
Beyond the definition
If two people concur, they share the same opinion—they agree. It is more formal than simply saying "I agree," and it often suggests that the point has been considered. Imagine a detective and a witness who concur on the details of a crime; their stories match up, reinforcing what happened. You might also say that events concur, meaning they happen at the same time.
The word comes from Latin roots meaning "to run together," which serves as a great mental image: when people concur, their thoughts are running in the very same direction. Because it sounds formal, you will often hear it in settings like law, school, or business. A lawyer might ask a witness whether they "concur with" a previous statement, or whether they "concur that" a detail is correct, to get a clear, on-the-record confirmation.
To concur means to agree—often in a formal way—especially after considering a matter carefully. It represents more than just a casual "yes"; it implies a shared understanding and a deliberate coming together of views. For example, if a committee concurs that a proposal is financially sound, it means the members have reached the same conclusion after discussing the facts.
Concur can also describe events happening at the same time—a coincidence of timing. For instance: "The arrival of the guest of honor concurred with the striking of midnight." While this use is less common than the one about agreement, it remains a standard part of the word's meaning.
The word's history is rooted in the Latin concurrere, where com- (together) meets currere (to run). Think of opinions or events "running" alongside each other. This etymology helps explain why the word feels so synchronized.
You will frequently encounter concur in formal writing and speech, such as legal documents, academic papers, and business reports. It is an effective way to demonstrate a reasoned agreement rather than a simple emotional response. In a legal context, a judge might issue a "concurring opinion," which means they agree with the final result of the court's decision but may have different legal reasons for getting there. Whether it is about shared beliefs or simultaneous events, concur signifies a meaningful coming together of minds or moments.
Examples
- 1
Agreement
I concur with your recommendation.
- 2
Expert opinion
Most experts concur that the policy needs to change.
- 3
Legal decision
The two judges concurred in the final decision.
- Patternconcur in + decision/plan
formally agree with it
- 4
Combined causes
Several small mistakes concurred to cause the delay.
- Patternconcur to + verb
happen together and produce a result
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- concurverb
Forms
- concurredpast tenseverb
- concurring-ing formverb
- concursverb