Aceptásemos

aceptásemos is a verb form in Spanish. It is the imperfect subjunctive (pretérito de subjuntivo) in the nosotros/nosotras person, using the so-called -se variant of the ending. This form corresponds to the meaning “we would/that we might accept,” depending on the clause, and is used in subordinate clauses that express doubt, desire, possibility, or hypothetical situations.

Morphology and variants. The base verb is aceptar (to accept). In the imperfect subjunctive, there are two parallel endings sets: -áramos and -ásemos. Therefore, forms such as aceptáramos and aceptásemos both exist for the same tense and mood. The choice between them is regional or stylistic; la forma with -ásemos is common in many dialects of Spain and Latin America. The accent on the a of aceptásemos helps indicate the stressed syllable and distinguishes it from other forms.

Usage. Aceptásemos typically appears in subordinate clauses introduced by si or by verbs of doubt, desire, emotion, or necessity. For example: Si aceptásemos la oferta, podríamos empezar mañana. No creía que aceptásemos participar en el proyecto. In main clauses, the imperfect subjunctive often pairs with a conditional in the result clause: Aceptaríamos si fuese posible, etc.

Etymology. The word derives from the verb aceptar, which comes from Latin acceptare, combining the prefix ad- with capere (to take). The form aceptásemos preserves the original subjunctive endings of the -ar verb conjugation.

See also. Aceptar, imperfect subjunctive forms (aceptáramos, aceptásemos), Spanish grammar.