CONCESSION

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CONCESSION. In GRAMMAR, a relationship of contrast in which there is an implication of something unexpected. The relationship may be implicit in the content of two expressions that are juxtaposed: The inhabitants were gentle, even friendly; underneath we sensed sadness. The contrast may be made explicit by inserting the coordinating conjunction but before underneath: The inhabitants were gentle, even friendly, but underneath we sensed sadness. The unexpectedness may be made explicit by inserting concessive conjuncts (yet, however, nevertheless) or by subordinating the first clause and using a concessive subordinating conjunction to introduce it: Although the inhabitants were gentle, even friendly, underneath we sensed sadness. Clauses introduced by concessive subordinators such as although, even though, though, while are known as concessive clauses or adverbial clauses of concession.

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