Emit vs. Admit: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on March 4, 2024
"Emit" refers to sending out or giving off something like light or sound, while "admit" involves allowing entry or acknowledging a fact.
Key Differences
Emit is primarily used when discussing the release of something, often intangible, such as light, sound, or energy, from a source. For example, a bulb emits light. On the other hand, admit can refer to allowing someone or something to enter a place, such as admitting guests into a venue, or it can involve acknowledging the truth of something, such as admitting a mistake.
While "emit" suggests a physical or metaphorical discharge or release, "admit" encompasses a broader range of actions, including granting access or conceding a point. For instance, a speaker emits sound waves, whereas a person admits fault in an argument.
Emit is often used in scientific and technical contexts to describe the process of emission, where substances, particles, or forms of energy are produced and sent out. Admit, however, is more versatile, used in legal, social, and personal contexts, indicating acceptance or recognition of facts or entities.
The term "emit" is neutral, focusing on the act of emission without implying any judgment or consequence. Admit, however, can carry connotations of reluctance or acceptance, especially when used in the context of conceding facts or errors.
Understanding the difference between emit and admit is crucial for clear communication, especially in written and spoken English, where context and precision matter. For example, a factory emits pollutants (a neutral description of an action), while a company may admit to pollution (acknowledging responsibility).
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To send out or give off
To allow entry or acknowledge the truth
Contexts
Scientific, technical
Legal, social, personal
Connotations
Neutral
Can imply reluctance or acceptance
Examples
Light, sound, emissions
Granting access, acknowledging facts
Usage
Describes a process of release
Involves allowing access or conceding points
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Emit and Admit Definitions
Emit
To be the source of something emitted.
The sun emits both light and heat.
Admit
To accept an idea or proposal.
The theory admits of no exceptions.
Emit
Used in scientific contexts to describe processes.
This material emits radiation.
Admit
To concede in an argument or discussion.
He finally admitted defeat.
Emit
To give or send out (matter or energy)
Isotopes that emit radioactive particles.
A stove emitting heat.
Admit
To grant to be real, valid, or true; acknowledge or concede
Even proponents of the technology admit that it doesn't always work as well as it should.
Emit
To give out as sound; utter
"She emitted her small strange laugh" (Edith Wharton).
Admit
To disclose or confess (guilt or an error, for example).
Emit
To voice; express
Emit an idea.
Admit
To afford opportunity for; permit
We must admit no delay in the proceedings.
Emit
To issue with authority, especially to put (currency) into circulation.
Admit
To allow to enter
A crack in the wall that admitted some light.
Emit
(transitive) To send out or give off.
Admit
To grant the right to enter
This ticket admits two to the performance of the play.
Emit
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Admit
To accept into an organization or group
The college admits fine arts students.
Emit
(intransitive) To come out, to be sent out or given off.
Admit
To accept (someone) as an inpatient in a hospital.
Emit
To send forth; to throw or give out; to cause to issue; to give vent to; to eject; to discharge; as, fire emits heat and smoke; boiling water emits steam; the sun emits light.
Lest, wrathful, the far-shooting god emitHis fatal arrows.
Admit
To accept into evidence as relevant and otherwise admissible
The judge admitted the testimony of the expert.
Emit
To issue forth, as an order or decree; to print and send into circulation, as notes or bills of credit.
No State shall . . . emit bills of credit.
Admit
To afford possibility
A problem that admits of no solution.
Emit
Expel (gases or odors)
Admit
To allow entrance; afford access
A door admitting to the hall.
Emit
Give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.;
The ozone layer blocks some harmful rays which the sun emits
Admit
To make acknowledgment; confess
Admitted to committing the crime.
Admitted to a weakness for sweets.
Emit
Express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words);
She let out a big heavy sigh
He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand
Admit
One who is admitted.
Emit
To release or send out light, heat, sound, etc..
The radio tower emits a strong signal.
Admit
(transitive) To allow to enter; to grant entrance (to), whether into a place, into the mind, or into consideration
A ticket admits one into a playhouse.
They were admitted into his house.
To admit a serious thought into the mind
To admit evidence in the trial of a cause
Emit
To give off substances or forms of energy.
Plants emit oxygen during photosynthesis.
Admit
(transitive) To allow (someone) to enter a profession or to enjoy a privilege; to recognize as qualified for a franchise.
To admit an attorney to practice law
The prisoner was admitted to bail
Emit
To express or utter sounds or emotions.
He emitted a sigh of relief.
Admit
(transitive) To concede as true; to acknowledge or assent to, as an allegation which it is impossible to deny
The argument or fact is admitted
He admitted his guilt
She admitted taking drugs / she admitted to taking drugs
Admit
(transitive) To be capable of; to permit. In this sense, "of" may be used after the verb, or may be omitted.
The words do not admit such a construction.
Admit
(intransitive) To give warrant or allowance, to grant opportunity or permission (+ of).
Circumstances do not admit of this
The text does not admit of this interpretation
Admit
(transitive) To allow to enter a hospital or similar facility for treatment.
Admit
To suffer to enter; to grant entrance, whether into a place, or into the mind, or consideration; to receive; to take; as, they were into his house; to admit a serious thought into the mind; to admit evidence in the trial of a cause.
Admit
To give a right of entrance; as, a ticket admits one into a playhouse.
Admit
To allow (one) to enter on an office or to enjoy a privilege; to recognize as qualified for a franchise; as, to admit an attorney to practice law; the prisoner was admitted to bail.
Admit
To concede as true; to acknowledge or assent to, as an allegation which it is impossible to deny; to own or confess; as, the argument or fact is admitted; he admitted his guilt.
Admit
To be capable of; to permit; as, the words do not admit such a construction. In this sense, of may be used after the verb, or may be omitted.
Both Houses declared that they could admit of no treaty with the king.
Admit
Declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of;
He admitted his errors
She acknowledged that she might have forgotten
Admit
Allow to enter; grant entry to;
We cannot admit non-members into our club
Admit
Allow participation in or the right to be part of; permit to exercise the rights, functions, and responsibilities of;
Admit someone to the profession
She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar
Admit
Admit into a group or community;
Accept students for graduate study
We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member
Admit
Afford possibility;
This problem admits of no solution
This short story allows of several different interpretations
Admit
Give access or entrance to;
The French doors admit onto the yard
Admit
Have room for; hold without crowding;
This hotel can accommodate 250 guests
The theater admits 300 people
The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people
Admit
Serve as a means of entrance;
This ticket will admit one adult to the show
Admit
To allow someone to enter a place.
The club admits members only.
Admit
To confess or acknowledge truth or facts.
She admitted her mistake.
Admit
To grant access or the right to participate.
The program admits ten participants a year.
FAQs
What does it mean to emit light?
To emit light means to produce and send out light from a source, like a lamp or the sun.
Is emit only used for tangible things?
Emit is often used for intangible emissions like light, sound, or radiation, not just tangible objects.
How does admitting someone to a program work?
Admitting someone to a program involves selecting and granting them the right to participate or enroll.
What's the difference between emitting sounds and admitting sounds?
Emitting sounds refers to producing and sending out sounds, whereas admitting sounds is not a commonly used phrase; admitting is more about allowing entry or acknowledging facts.
Why is it important to differentiate between emit and admit?
Differentiating helps in precise communication, especially in technical, legal, or personal discussions where the distinction matters.
Can "admit" have a positive connotation?
Yes, admitting can be positive, especially when it involves acknowledging personal growth or truths.
Is admitting guilt always a legal matter?
While often used in legal contexts, admitting guilt can also occur in personal and social situations as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Can a person admit feelings?
Yes, a person can admit feelings by acknowledging and expressing them openly.
Can a machine emit and admit at the same time?
A machine might emit substances like heat or sound while admitting could involve acknowledging a system error, but the contexts are very different.
Do all objects that emit light also emit heat?
Many objects that emit light also emit heat, but the amount and perceivability of heat can vary significantly.
How does admitting someone to a hospital work?
Admitting someone to a hospital involves a formal process where the patient is registered and allowed to receive medical care.
Can admitting to a crime reduce a sentence?
In some legal systems, admitting to a crime can lead to a reduced sentence as part of a plea agreement or as a sign of remorse.
How do scientists measure what a star emits?
Scientists use various instruments and methods to measure the light, radiation, and other emissions from a star to understand its properties.
What are some common emissions from vehicles?
Common vehicle emissions include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
What role do emissions play in climate change?
Emissions, especially of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, play a significant role in climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
How does admitting a mistake affect personal growth?
Admitting a mistake can lead to personal growth by fostering learning, accountability, and maturity.
What is the process of admitting a student to a university?
The process involves reviewing applications, selecting candidates based on criteria, and granting them the right to enroll.
Can admitting to a problem be the first step to solving it?
Yes, acknowledging a problem is often considered the first step towards addressing and solving it.
How can admitting feelings impact a relationship?
Admitting feelings in a relationship can strengthen bonds by fostering honesty, trust, and deeper understanding.
Can plants emit substances other than oxygen?
Yes, plants can emit various substances, including oxygen, volatile organic compounds, and even water vapor.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
