granted

Granted is the past tense and past participle of the verb grant. The core senses of grant include to bestow or confer something such as a gift, right, or privilege; to allow or permit something; and to acknowledge or concede a point in argument or discussion. In everyday use, granted is often employed in formal or written English to introduce a concession or to report an official act of giving.

Origin and related forms: The verb grant comes from Old French graanter or grantier, with roots linked to the Latin donare, meaning “to give.” The noun grant can refer to the act of granting or to the thing conferred, such as a financial award, a grant of land or rights, or a grant of permission. Related terms include grantor (the giver in a transfer) and grantee (the recipient).

Usage notes: In legal, academic, and governmental contexts, grants are common instruments for funding research, education, or public programs (for example, a research grant or grant-in-aid). The past participle “granted” can introduce a concessive clause: “Granted, the project is costly, it may still be worthwhile.” It can also serve as a stand-alone interjection, as in “Granted,” acknowledging an acknowledged point before proceeding.

See also: Grant (finance), grantor, grantee, grantmaking, grant-in-aid.