concur

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.